The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) was established in 1862 and is the largest producer of security documents in the U.S. Some of its responsiblites is to design and print paper money, presidential certificates, military identification cards, naturalization documents and Coast Guard licenses. It is located in Washington, D.C. and Fort Worth, Texas. The BEP uses technology for its processes but engravers continue to use the graver, the burnisher and the hand-held glass from 125 years ago.
The BEP is an important part of the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve Bank. The United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing designs and manufactures currency with anti-counterfeit controls. If you wish to know more about the services provided by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C., consider the following.
1. The images on the money are chosen carefully to represent U.S. history and ideals.
2. All materials are printed on site using the latest technology.
3. The Bureau of Printing and Engraving continues to apply counterfeit deterrents and upholds the standards of the law regarding mutilated money.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Use the Treasury Department, Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) resources to learn more
Learn about the bureau's beginnings and the choices made by our countrymen and women. The iconic images and words on currency and seals needed to be chosen, but by whom and why?
I recommend: The Federal Bureau of Printing gives the
history of BEP printing as it began in 1862. It also explains the
selection of portraits that have been used. Through the BEP, you can register with
FedBizOpps, which posts business opportunities for many industries.
Consider the work of the Bureau of Engraving, printing huge amounts of money
The printing processes used to make money involve using specially treated paper, different inks and special treatments to deter counterfeiting.
I recommend: The bureau gives a good rundown of how it makes
money and the number of steps used. It explains the history of the color green in
greenbacks. Collectors of
large or
small denomination notes can get useful information.
Understand the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's role in anti-counterfeiting
Counterfeiting is against the law and US law enforcement agencies combat it. But the BEP plays an important part.
I recommend: One of the ways the bureau combats counterfeiting is to use new
money designs. The bureau uses difficult
engraving and coloring techniques as part of its security features.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Join Bureau of Engraving and Printing tours for groups, conducted at the DC and Fort Worth locations. These are free but reservations are required. Watch millions of dollars being made.
The official source of Treasury Department, Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is
the Treasury Department, Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) page at Business.com
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