Life With Our Three Girls: $$ Tour

Shawn and Kim had told us about the tour they had taken to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. After hearing about it, Adam and I really wanted to go. We were able to witness how American currency is made. Security around this place was crazy as you can understand. As we pulled into the parking lot we heard over the PA system that we had to leave everything in our cars. They wouldn't let us bring any cameras or cell phones in with us! We entered a building and had to go through a security check point. Adam had to practically get undressed before they would let him in. :) After the security point they bused us to the building where the process actually took place. There are only two places in the Unites States where our currency is made and one was right there in Ft. Worth, Texas. The other is in Washington D.C., but it is a much smaller facility than Ft. Worth. There are 800 Federal Law Enforcement Officers guarding the facility at one time. When we entered the building, we were taken on a tour. They took us on the catwalks above the printing and processing equipment. The day we were there, they were printing $5's and $20's. Have you ever wondered why your money doesn't fall apart when it accidentally goes through the washing machine? We leaned that bills are not made with any paper at all. It consists of 80% cotton and 20% Linen. The facility prints 1.6 million dollars an hour. That is why they need all that security! The process was absolutely amazing! The kids loved it as much as Adam and I. They showed us how they print each sheet with specific numbers and in certain sequences so everything is accounted for. If there is a flaw in the process or the sheet gets jammed in some way, the process stops and every sheet is accounted for. They "somewhat" explained and showed us how they print so it's hard for people to counterfeit. Right now they print three different colors on each bill, but can print up to fourteen. Printed on every bill is the location of where is was made. If it is made in Ft. Worth, you will find a small FW on the bill. If it is made in Washington D.C., it will not have any distinguishing mark on it. They told us that the Ft. Worth facility is printing 67% of the United States currency right now. After the tour, we went into the visitors center and saw some really cool things and heard some amazing stories. We also went to the gift shop where we purchased an uncut sheet of $1 bills. Granted they do know how to make a few extra bucks. An uncut sheet of thirty-two $1 bills cost us $50. Crazy I know, but it is pretty cool! They told us that we could cut one out and spend it if we wanted. It was all legit because of the markings and numbers on the bill. If you ever have the chance to go to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, we highly recommend it! The kids loved it and it was very educational!

There were about eight rows of chain link fence strung with razor wire along the top. The facility sits back in on the property so there is not a chance of getting out except their way!