After having difficulties with his local bank, Tom Sheehan asked E-Sylum readers, "How can I get $1000 in new $1 bills?" -Editor

"I spent my career in the banking and credit union industries and here's what I know. Banks and credit unions order currency as needed from a supplier. Some order from larger banks who provide coin and currency services. Others order directly from their nearest Federal Reserve Bank.

"Your bank will have to order bills in standard quantities. The bills usually come pre-packaged as a mixture of old and new bills and the bank cannot specify "new bills only." They get what they get. However, my credit union ordered currency direct from the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank. I seem to remember that during the November/December holiday season, we could specify "new bills" on our currency orders, at least for some denominations (but probably not for $1 bills).

"New bills are popular for gift giving, but $20s and $100s are most in demand for gifting. If your bank or credit union can't supply new $1s, ask at a larger bank which may have new bills from a recent shipment. But you'll likely need to open an account."

"Most of my assets are elsewhere, but I have a checking account in a local bank. Seven branches in seven local towns, and special branches in two high schools. The six branches have safe deposit boxes.

"I've had several mortgages from them, but now I use them for two reasons: 1) No-fee ATM network. 2) Getting $2 bills, $1 coins, and $0.5 coins. They order whatever I ask, as long as I order 1000 and have the cash in my account.

"Sometimes I've received used two dollar bills, but recently most of the bills have been uncirculated. The employees say they can request new notes when they order but those requests aren't always honored.

"(When you leave a good tip at a restaurant and add a Jefferson, an Anthony, and a Kennedy you will be remembered. Last week I was told "Welcome back" when I visited a restaurant I last visited in 2023.)"

"I found this on the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank website. Also, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco has a Seattle Branch that may be able to help."

"I have had no problem getting a "Brick" of dollar bills from two of my banks. I would recommend the following:

"Ask to speak to the vault manager. Let them know that you would like to get a Brick of new $1 notes ($1000). Some tellers just don't like to be bothered.

"If they don't happen to have a brick, They should be able to order it during their next currency order, from their currency supplier.

"Smaller banks sometimes use a larger bank to order their currency and coin from the Federal reserve bank, so this may be where the problem lies.

"When they submit their currency order, they can usually request that the order is of "New" notes. This is quite common practice during the Christmas holidays by many banks for their customers as many people like to give crisp currency to their kids.

"My sister works at a bank (in another state) and she states that Christmas is the only time of year that her bank will do this, otherwise they just put in an weekly order and get what they get.

"Here is a picture of a typical Brick as received. This one happens to have a few binary notes, so I have not opened it up. What I never do: Return any bulk notes or coins to the same bank. (That would not be nice) Also as a side note, you get what you get. I live on the west coast and received notes from the NY Federal Reserve bank.

"If your regular bank won't work with you, open an account at another bank. You could even talk to the vault manager prior to opening an account to verify that they can place an order for you."

Thanks, everyone! -Editor