Comments on: US Banknote Production Climbs to 518.4 Million in January

By: Vachon

Vachon — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 16:05:55 +0000

@Munzen : a possible explanation for the lack of $10 bills could simply be inflation coupled with the fact that ATMs require withdrawals in $20 increments. If one’s average small purchase (i.e. less than $20) has climbed above $10 (which is not difficult to do anymore), a $10 will not be needed in change. This may be what is impacting their production.

I find in my experience that cash is tendered typically for small purchases, especially ones which appear to be unplanned and credit/debit cards are used for larger or planned purchases. When I do give out $10 bills, it’s usually from purchases that force customers to tend another $20 bill as they have crossed into the next $20 tier (e.g. $26.89; $45.17; $81.15; etc.).

By: Seth Riesling

Seth Riesling — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 23:29:43 +0000

Munzen –

Like you, I have wondered recently why the BEP is printing so many (compared to most other years) $2 FRNs last year & this year. I too have never received a $2 FRN as change in my life! The $10 FRN situation is also a strange mystery too like you said. Where in the heck in the USA (or outside the USA) are all these $2 notes going to? They are ordered by the FED as needed of course, but are they actually circulating somewhere? (Ecuador & a few other countries use the U.S. dollar as their official currency – are they winding up there?)
Any thoughts on this mystery CoinNews readers?

Mike Unser –

Thanks for compiling these many stats & your analysis!

-NumisDudeTX

By: Munzen

Munzen — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 18:02:59 +0000

Interesting … the pattern of more $2 bills and fewer $10 bills continues. I still haven’t encountered any two’s in circulation although my bank does give them out if you ask. But I’m still receiving multiple fives in place of tens, which is becoming increasingly strange.