What American Money Looks Like: US Currency Denominations
What Currency does the USA use?
The currency used in the US is called the US dollar (USD) and is represented by the symbol $. It is the most recognised, traded and accepted currency in the world. Other names it is called include the ‘greenback’ (financial settings) or ‘buck’ (informal settings).
US dollars are available in many different denominations. This includes seven denominations in notes, as seen in our pictures.
Banknote Denominations
American banknotes are made with a blend of 25% linen and 75% cotton, making them a little less impervious to wear and tear than plastic money. Their distinctive green colour gives the currency the popular name the ‘greenback’.
American dollar bills come in common denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, and $100. Less common bills include the $2 and the $50 note.
Coin Denominations
There are 7 coins within the US. Common coin denominations include 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢ and $1. One dollar coins are rare; in fact, the United States is the only developed country that still has a $1 bill in popular circulation (a bill which is considered the most recognised currency in the world).
However people rarely refer to coins by their nominal value, instead, they have ‘nicknames’ that have become part of everyday use. The local lingo for these coins:
- One cent coin = a penny
- Five cent coin = a nickel
- Ten cent coin = a dime
- 25 cent coin = a quarter
- 50 cent coin = a half dollar
