Current Paper Currency Denominations
In the United States, the bills in circulation include the $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes. The $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 bills were officially discontinued decades ago but remain legal tender. Most everyday transactions use the lower denominations, while the $100 note is the highest value still actively printed.
How Bills Enter Circulation
Central banks, such as the Federal Reserve, order new bills from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. These notes are distributed to commercial banks and credit unions, which then supply them to the public through withdrawals. Worn-out bills are regularly removed, destroyed, and replaced to maintain a healthy supply.
Tracking and Managing the Money Supply
The Federal Reserve tracks the number of bills in circulation to support monetary policy and ensure enough cash is available. Data on denominations and annual print orders are published in official reports. For detailed statistics on U.S. currency in circulation, visit the Federal Reserve’s official page at https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/quantity-of-u-s-currency-in-circulation.htm.
