(Day 331) - Gimme the Green

My green photo today features American currency. This made me wonder why US money is green, so I did some research.

In the 1860s, people could take only take pictures in black and white so it was easy to create counterfeit money with photographs. So the backs of US currency were printed in green ink to make it easier to spot a fake! They even became known as "greenbacks" at that time.

In 1929, technology advanced and other more stable counterfeit measures were incorporated. However, the bills continued to be printed with green ink because, according to the U.S. Bureau of Printing and Engraving, the ink was plentiful and durable. Plus the color green was associated with stability.

The color green sure some interesting history. :)

[Simply Amanda]

I want some green.

[Bill Fenske]

thanks for the cool history lesson, Chris

[Louise & Ken]

Fascinating Chris! That is a totally cool history lesson...and nice to know someone who has some cash in his pocket!

[katy]

Fascinating information to accompany this intriguing image!

[Shy Abel]

Always learning :)

[Denise Wood]

Thanks for the great history lesson :) great shot too!

[Sam]

Very interesting - I didn't know this information, very cool!

[Annika]

that is interesting, if you look at our cash - the Euros - full on colour ;)

[Chris Johnson]

@Weezilou - Thanks!! Haha, about $28 according to this photo. Haha :)

[Chris Johnson]

@annika82 - Yeah I noticed that! So cool how colorful the Euros are!

[Chris K]

wow! that is very interesting Chris. our money is all different colours

[Chris K]

PS like your composition too.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

I vaguely remember learning about "greenbacks". Thanks for the refresher course! It's not too often I have a wad of cash (even singles!), but when I bought my current Subaru, I couldn't resist doing a money shot like this. Good one!

[Harriet]

Thanks for the interesting history lesson - I didn't realize that's why they called them greenbacks.

[Stephanie]

How interesting, never heard the term greenback before... well that's not strictly true - does 'Danger Mouse' show on TV in the USA? There was an evil toad on this (child's) programme called Baron Greenback, link here if you don't have a clue what I am on about - http://danmacgregor.wikia.com/wiki/Baron_Silas_Greenback Not that this has anything to so with your great picture, lol... sorry.

[Chris Johnson]

@stephanies - Haha Baron Greenback is a great name for a villain. This is the first time I've heard of Danger Mouse, but it seems to have aired in the US. Looks like I was about 2 when it first aired so maybe that's why I don't have recollection of it. I'll have to check out a few episodes. Haha. Classic cartoons are awesome.