The E-Sylum:  Volume 9, Number 13, March 26, 2006, Article 16

THE NEW $10 BILL: A CIRCUS TICKET?

Every new coin or banknote design draws attracts critics.
A March 20 article in the Contra Costa Times of Walnut Creek,
CA was among the first to publish an article criticizing the
new U.S. $10 note.

"I fired up the Andy Jackson and slid it across the counter
to the clerk.  She didn't seem impressed by my rare flash of
wealth, but, as she gave me my change, she inadvertently
installed a molehill on my learning curve.

"What's this?" I asked. "A circus ticket?"

"It's the new 10," she said, "Strange, huh?"

"Growing up, I became accustomed to having money that was
plain and dull, with pictures of uncomfortable-looking
patriots and 16th century heroes. It was monochromatic, and
the only interesting stuff was in things like the eye on top
of the pyramid, or the two kids selling Kool-Aid in front of
the White House on the back of the 20 (OK, I made that one up).

Generally, though, all I've known throughout my life is dull
money.  And then this 10 comes along, loud as a calliope in
a Laundromat, and looking every bit as garish as the francs
my uncle brought home after World War II."

"What's the deal with the colors? The 10 is now printed in
about a million different colors that will certainly tell
those around the world, who look to us for leadership, that
the United States of America is facing a severe ink shortage."

"There's also that numeral 10 on the lower right of the bill.
It's printed in color-shifting ink, that looks like a 10 when
you see it head on, but like Ruth Bader Ginsburg driving a
Pontiac when you turn it to the left..."

To read the complete story, see: Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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