The New $20 Note

On September 24, 1998, the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve issued a newly designed $20 note, the first in the Series 1996 notes. The new $20 note contains improved security features to deter counterfeiting and has a machine-readable capability for the blind.

Similar to the $50 note introduced in October of 1997 the $20 note and consequent denominations will include a large dark numeral on a light background on the back of the note that will make it easier for Americans with low vision to identify it. It will also help people with milder forms of visual impairment, as well as people using U.S. currency in low-light situations.

To request free educational materials about the new note, call (202) 622-2040 and request faxed document #2463 or visit the web site: www.moneyfactory.com

(Sources: U.S. Treasury Press Release, August 4, 1998 and Fighting for Blindness News, Newsletter of The Foundation for Fighting Blindness, September 1998).

The Visionary, published as a service of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness,
is available upon request. The information contained in this issue,
taken from sources considered to be accurate,
does not replace the need for professional eye care consultations and treatments.

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