United States dollar in 1862: Greenbacks

United States dollar divides its story at 1862, under “Greenbacks.” The figure attached to that history is 1792. Do not replace the sentence with the number on a bureau de change board today. Fix the reason it was issued, the picture, and where it was used, to that year. Federal Reserve System sets monetary policy and oversees the unit; physical production involves United States Mint.

The world's primary reserve and invoicing currency since Bretton Woods unravelled. United States dollar is one of the units this atlas treats as a full monetary system — not only a ticker symbol. Its story runs from Philadelphia in 1792 through note design, central-bank practice and the FX role it plays today.

Scores on this site compare United States dollar with the other currencies in the atlas on reserve weight, global reach, stability, cash culture, design iconicity and policy autonomy. They are relative editorial judgements, not forecasts. The seven chapters cover origins and reforms, the look of notes and coins, the issuer's mandate, where the money circulates, FX and reserves, crisis history, and how people pay with it now.

United States dollar (USD) is issued or defined under Federal Reserve. The world's primary reserve and invoicing currency since Bretton Woods unravelled. No. Tool-Lifes /money is a static educational atlas. It explains regimes, history and design without live tickers. Why does United States dollar matter globally?

United States dollar in 1862 under “Greenbacks” carries 1792. That figure is not today’s counter price.1862

Figures to keep

Year of the rule: 1862
Figure in the history: 1792
Currency: United States dollar
Line in the record: Greenbacks

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