Many countries redesign their banknotes every seven to ten years. The $1 bill has gone more than 60 years without one, and federal law keeps it that way.

In the Wall Street Journal video, Why the $1 Bill Hasn’t Been Redesigned in Over 60 Years, Shaun Ferrari, who spent 16 years at the Federal Reserve, walks through the three levels of security that protect banknotes, from the feel of the paper to hidden features only central banks can detect, and explains why the $1 bill is too rarely counterfeited to justify the cost of a redesign.

Click these links to access the video, student guide, and answer key

Wall Street Journal Video | NGPF Student Viewing Guide + Answer Key

Video Length: 8:32

Discussion Questions

Use these to spark conversation after students watch:

1. The $1 bill hasn’t been redesigned in over 60 years. If you were in charge, would you redesign it? Why or why not?
2. After watching this video, do you think you could spot a counterfeit bill? What would you look for?

This video pairs well with NGPF’s Banking unit.

This resource was created through NGPF’s partnership with Dow Jones, bringing high quality financial journalism into personal finance classrooms across the country for free.

Every WSJ Wednesday, NGPF will highlight a classroom-ready article, video, or data crunch resource from the Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, or Barron’s, including a student guide, discussion questions, and an answer key.

About the Author

Yonathan Tadesse

Yonathan is a Dallas-based Curriculum Designer at NGPF with 12 years of experience as a high school math, college transition, and financial literacy teacher. An award-winning educator, he has a track record of launching innovative programs at the high school level that expand access and opportunity for students. He is a graduate of Emory University and is passionate about advancing financial education for all students. Outside of work, Yonathan loves spending time with his wife and two kids, working out, playing chess and poker, and learning new things.

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