Watermarks Through The Years?

Come on - somebody has got to know something about this topic! I know for a fact that there are some experts on here with some knowledge of the use of watermarks in US currency. I've had many posts come up without any responses in the past and I think it is irresponsible for collectors to not help out other collectors. What ever happened to no question is a stupid one? -PP

Pennypusher, I am not a collector, and definitely not an expert, but I think that I can answer the question, (just wanted to give someone else a chance here).

Back in the early days of US paper money, watermarks were used (in the 1860s-1870s), along with jute fibers as efforts to thwart counterfeiting.

Both the jute and the watermarked paper were dropped in the late 1870s and replaced with paper containing silk fibers.

Watermarks were not used again on US currency until the series 1996 banknotes emerged from the BEP with that big ugly head portrait of Benjamin Franklin.

I wished I logged in earlier and told you!

For watermarks, only the big-head (Series 1996 on for $100, $50 and $20 and Series 1999 for $10 and $5) ones on had watermarks. I don't have my collection near me right now, so sorry I can't provide you with pictures of the old, smaller head (pre 1996) notes.

By the way, I've also noticed that the watermarks on the colored notes, compared to those on the older BW ones, are much "thicker" and have lost some detail, especially where the coat is.