This self-initiated, fictional project was inspired in part by W. A. Dwiggins’ 1932 proposal Towards a Reform of the Paper Currency. This experimental investigation was also created to showcase and promote a new type family recently designed by our studio – Ludd.

I wanted to try and retain the spirit of the current US bills while contrasting the more iconic elements with a humorous look at American history and its myths. Formally I was reacting to the conservative nature and blandness of our bills, trying to develop a more dynamic composition and impression without losing the narratives.

This three-part, letterpress currency series ($5, $10 and $20) was an exploration into color – how to use color to develop a dynamic single composition while developing a system and family of bills. The production included several passes through the press and these bills are built of 6 to 8 different spot colors, some florescent and some specially mixed.