Griffin Speaks
FACTS ABOUT MONEY
A
year ago I walked into one of my banks and cashed a check. I then went to
another bank and deposited the cash that I received from the other bank. To
my surprise the teller at the second bank informed me that one of my fifty
dollar bills was counterfeit. She then informed me that she would not be
able to return it to me. I almost passed out. I went to the first bank and
told them what happened. To my great relief the first bank agreed to
reimburse me on the spot for the counterfeit bill that was retained by the
second bank. The first bank was not obligated to reimburse me. It would have
been my loss.
You need to check your money. When I receive money from
cashiers I check it as thoroughly as they check it. They look at me like I
am crazy. Just how much do you know about money?
The $100 note is the largest denomination currently
issued in the United States. The life span of that $100.00 note is nine
years. The use of Benjamin Franklin’s picture on $100.00 notes was on the
first series of Federal Reserve Notes, Series 1914.
Five African Americans have had their signatures appear
on money. The four men were Blanche K. Bruce, Judson W. Lyons, William T.
Vernon and James C. Napier. These four men were Registers of the Treasury.
The fifth African American whose signature appeared on money was Azie Taylor
Morton. She was the 36th Treasurer of the United States of
America. Ms. Morton served from September 12, 1977 to January 20, 1981. To
this date there are no images of African-Americans printed on U.S. currency.
I think it is time for our currency to reflect our
diversity. I would like to see the images of African Americans, women,
Hispanics, and children on the face of our currency. If you agree with me
then make your desire known to your congressman.
It would be great to one day see the image of Oprah Winfrey on the face of a
$100.00 note. It could happen!
Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com or write to him at P.O. Box 250194 Montgomery, Alabama 36125-0194.