Ever wondered what makes your cash so tough, so durable, able to withstand countless transactions without falling apart?
Well, here’s a little secret: it’s not actually paper, at least not the kind you write on! Our banknotes aren’t made from wood pulp like your everyday printer paper.
Instead, most modern currencies, especially the U.S. dollar, are crafted from a unique blend of about 75% cotton and 25% linen. That’s right, cotton and linen!
This special fabric blend gives money its distinctive feel, incredible strength, and resistance to tearing and creasing, making it far more durable than ordinary paper. It also allows for those intricate security features!
And some countries, like Australia and Canada, even use a type of plastic called polymer for their money. This makes their banknotes even more durable, waterproof, and harder to counterfeit.
So next time you handle some cash, remember: it’s not just paper, it’s a testament to engineering designed to keep our economies flowing smoothly.