The American $20 bill, also known as the Jackson, is a highly recognizable and widely circulated note in the United States. It's the third-largest denomination in the Federal Reserve System's currency hierarchy, following the $10 and $50 bills. But what does a $20 bill actually look like?
At first glance, the $20 bill appears green, hence its common nickname, the "twenty". However, it's not entirely green. The color is more accurately described as a shade of olive green, with intricate details and designs that make it one of the most secure banknotes in the world.
The Front Side of the $20 Bill
The front side of the $20 bill features a portrait of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. Jackson, who served from 1829 to 1837, is depicted in the center, facing right, with the inscription "Andrew Jackson" and "20" printed below his portrait.
To the left of Jackson's portrait, you'll find the Treasury Seal, which includes an eagle with outstretched wings, holding a bundle of arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other. The words "United States of America" and "Twenty Dollars" are also printed on the front side, with the latter appearing in both English and Spanish.
Security Features on the Front Side
The front side of the $20 bill is home to several security features designed to prevent counterfeiting. One of the most notable is the color-shifting ink used in the number "20" in the lower right corner. When tilted, the color shifts from green to black, a feature that's difficult to replicate with standard printing methods.
Another security feature is the security thread, which is embedded into the paper and runs vertically on the left side of the bill. When held up to light, the thread reveals the words "USA TWENTY" and a small flag. The thread is also embedded with a special magnetic ink that can be detected by vending machines and other automated systems.
The Back Side of the $20 Bill
The back side of the $20 bill features a vignette of the White House, the official residence of the President of the United States. The White House is depicted in the center, with the words "The White House" and "In God We Trust" printed below. The denomination "20" is also printed in the lower left corner, with the words "United States of America" and "Twenty Dollars" appearing in both English and Spanish.
The back side of the $20 bill also features a series of small, raised bumps that can be felt by the visually impaired. These bumps, known as Intaglio printing, are another security feature designed to prevent counterfeiting. They are arranged in a specific pattern that spells out the denomination "20".
Size and Materials of the $20 Bill
The $20 bill is the same size as all other U.S. currency notes, measuring 6.14 inches (156 mm) in width and 2.61 inches (66.3 mm) in height. It's made from a special paper blend that includes 75% cotton and 25% linen, giving it a unique texture and durability that sets it apart from other types of paper.
The $20 bill is also printed using a combination of intaglio and offset printing methods, which allow for the creation of intricate details and security features that are difficult to replicate. The result is a banknote that's not only beautiful to look at but also highly secure and durable.
Design History of the $20 Bill
The $20 bill has gone through several design iterations since it was first introduced in 1862. The current design, known as the "Series 2004A" note, was introduced in 2003 and features Andrew Jackson on the front side and the White House on the back side. However, the design of the $20 bill has not always featured Jackson.
In fact, the first $20 bills featured a portrait of Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury under President Abraham Lincoln. Chase's portrait remained on the $20 bill until 1928, when it was replaced by a portrait of Jackson. The decision to feature Jackson on the $20 bill was made in part because of his role in the creation of the modern Democratic Party and his leadership during the War of 1812.
In 2020, the Federal Reserve announced plans to add a portrait of Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and former slave, to the $20 bill. Tubman will replace Jackson on the front side of the note, while Jackson will be moved to the back side. The new design is expected to be introduced in 2028, the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
So, there you have it - a detailed look at what the American $20 bill looks like, from its security features to its design history. The next time you hold a $20 bill in your hand, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details and rich history that make it one of the most iconic pieces of currency in the world.