Historical Figures

What are dollar bills made of?

U.S. dollar bills are primarily composed of a unique blend of cotton and linen fibers. The exact ratio of these two materials can vary slightly, but typically, dollar bills consist of 75% cotton and 25% linen. This composition provides the bills with their characteristic strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear.

The cotton and linen fibers used in dollar bills are carefully selected and processed to ensure the bills' quality and longevity. The cotton fibers undergo various treatments to enhance their strength, while the linen fibers add durability and resistance to tearing. The combination of these two natural materials creates a material that is both strong and flexible, making it suitable for the production of banknotes.

In addition to cotton and linen, U.S. dollar bills also contain trace amounts of other materials, including security threads and inks. These additional elements are incorporated into the bills during the printing process to enhance their security features and prevent counterfeiting.

It is worth noting that the composition of U.S. dollar bills has remained largely unchanged for several decades. The blend of cotton and linen fibers has proven to be highly effective in meeting the requirements for a durable and reliable currency.