Hobbies And Interests
Destruction of Paper Currency
In 1966, the Treasury Department authorized Federal Reserve Banks to destroy paper currency. When worn-out bills arrive at a Federal Reserve Bank, they are fed through a high-speed shredder, which cuts them into strips. Most of these strips are sent to a central disposal area. However, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing sells small quantities of them as souvenirs. Larger quantities may be available to artists and manufacturers, with the consent of the Treasury Department, Federal Reserve Bank and Environmental Protection Agency.
Destruction of Old or Mutilated Coins
The United States Mint considers coins that have been badly worn down, but which are still recognizable, to be "uncurrent." These coins may be turned in to a Federal Reserve Bank, which will forward them to the Mint for disposal. Coins that have been mutilated must be turned into the Mint in Philadelphia. Uncurrent and mutilated coins are melted down and recycled into new currency
Destruction of Misprinted Coins
As coins are minted, they are collected in large boxes called traps, and inspected for compliance with federal standards. Any coins which do not meet these standards are sent to a waffler, which uses high-pressure rollers to imprint a ridged waffle pattern into the coin. Waffled coins are then melted down and recycled along with uncurrent and mutilated currency.