How to Print Money

For most denominations, high-speed “offset” printers that can print 10,000 sheets per hour are used to layer on the base coat colors. The more intricate details are done with plate printing, using a process known as intaglio, where ink is applied to the engravings and transferred with immense pressure to paper. In the case of one-dollar bills and two-dollar bills, offset printing is not used, and plate printing is the first step.

The team of people making America’s money is vast. There are 1,500 employees and contractors working at facilities in Washington and Fort Worth. Kevin Patton, seen here inspecting a sheet of uncut dollar notes, has worked at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for 11 years.