The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, located in the U.S. capital, Washington D.C., is a national agency responsible for manufacturing U.S. dollar bills. Its official name is the “Bureau of Engraving & Printing,” and it not only produces dollar bills but also manufactures various confidential printing materials, including U.S. securities and certificates.
A Popular Tour to Witness the Dollar Bill Production Process
If you visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, one thing you definitely don’t want to miss is the tour of the facility. The approximately 40-minute tour is highly popular, partly because it is free of charge. However, keep in mind that during the tourist season from March to August, you’ll need an entry ticket to get in. The tickets are distributed at the ticket booth near the Visitor Center, so try to get them early.
First, you’ll go through a security check conducted by the police officers. After the security check, you’ll watch a video to learn about the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and its functions. Once the video ends, you’ll move on to the highlight of the tour – the observation of the production line.
During the production line tour, you’ll get to see sheets of single dollar bills being printed in bulk and witness the process of cutting those sheets into individual bills. It’s a rare opportunity to see stacks of dollar bills right in front of you, providing a glimpse of something out of the ordinary.
Don’t Forget to Check the Gift Shop
After the impressive tour, make sure to explore the other exhibits as well. They showcase rare collections such as early printing machines used in the first half of the 20th century and vintage banknotes.
And don’t forget to visit the gift shop. You’ll find the usual souvenirs like keychains and t-shirts, but there are also some unique items available, like discarded currency. Particularly noteworthy is the pre-cut currency sheet, consisting of 16 one-dollar bills, which can be purchased for $36. The amazing thing about this sheet is that you can cut the bills yourself and use them as actual currency. It’s the ultimate souvenir that you can only get at this location, so be sure to pick one up.
Experience Something Extraordinary at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Visiting the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington D.C. offers a chance to experience something extraordinary that you won’t find elsewhere. If you’re interested in U.S. dollar bills, be sure to pay a visit and immerse yourself in this unique experience.
