5 Currency Facts You Probably Didn't Know About the US $1 Dollar Bill

No Facelifts Needed for Old George

The US dollar’s design has remained unchanged since 1963. Most banknotes get redesigned when they have a lot of counterfeits in circulation. Since the dollar bill is rarely counterfeited, the US government doesn’t see a need to give Old George a face lift. On a side note, if you ever find yourself questioning the legitimacy of any banknote here's what to do if you receive counterfeit currency.

Durable, for the Most Part

While the dollar bill is not your average piece of paper (it’s actually made of cotton and linen), it still suffers from your normal wear and tear. After about 5.8 years, most dollars find their way back into our lives in a way you may not expect.

Your House May Literally be Made of Money

This leads to our third fact about the $1 bill. Yes, your house may literally be made of money. According to Moneywise.com, “The Fed sometimes sells shredded bills to companies that use them in building materials. Recycled currency may be in the shingles on your roof or the insulation in your walls.” 

It Wasn't Always Washington

Believe it or not, George Washington wasn’t always the $1 bill’s figurehead. That honor originally went to our country’s first secretary of the treasury, Salmon P. Chase - also who Chase Bank is named after. Washington’s face didn’t make it on the dollar bill until 1869, under President Lincoln.

Two Halves Equal a Whole

Yeah, it really does work like that! If you find that you’ve come across a dollar that’s in two pieces - ripped in half or even into fourths - you can actually submit the pieces of the bill to the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing, they can exchange it for you at its full value. Don't believe us? Check out 20 shocking facts about one dollar bill that'd make you question everything. 

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