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Let me introduce myself. I am Andrew Jackson, the man featured in the $20 bill and the seventh president of the United States. But I will not talk about myself, but the American dollar bill that bears my image.

The US Treasury created me in 1929 in Washington, D.C. When the government agency formed me the first time, it used a special ink and wove threads into a mix of cotton and linen, making me durable. Americans often call me a Jackson. Well, Jackson bill, I must say.

Unfortunately, one of 10,000 bills are counterfeit, based on the estimate by the Secret Service – and there are $20 bill counterfeits than any other bill. How ironic? During my time, I strongly opposed both the National Bank and paper money. I also vetoed that bank bill in 1832. Anyhow, the Treasury redesigned me in 2003 as part of the American government’s continuous efforts to prevent counterfeiting, as well as maintain global confidence and trust on me as a US currency.

One of my distinct security features is the security thread. Get a $20 bill and hold it up to the light. Find the security thread embedded in the paper and runs vertically up on one side. Take a closer look at this bill. The words “USA TWENTY” and a small flag are visible along the thread from both sides. When lightened in an ultraviolet light, the thread becomes green.

Another is the color-shifting ink. Hold that bill and tilt it to see if number 20, found in the lower right corner in front, changes color from copper to green. You will notice a more dramatic color change in the bill.

And lastly, watermark. Do you still have the bill? Hold the bill and illuminate it to look for the watermark or faint image similar to the large portrait. The watermark is part of the bill and can be found on both sides.

The Treasury also updated my portrait and vignette to make me more presentable. They removed the vignette on the back, as well as the over borders and border lines encompassing my picture. The federal agency also features symbols of freedom, federal reserve indicators, and microprinting, and also integrates low-vision feature and unique serial numbers.

How much does the agency spend on making me? According to the Bureau of Engraving, the White House spends 6.2 US cents to print a bill. Like any other bills, our average lifespan is slightly over two years. Once we are worn and torn, the Federal Reserve takes us out of circulation and replace us with brand new bills.

Since we are widely circulated and being used a lot, many people worry about getting sick from touching bills. Yes, this is true. Based on several researches, around 87% to 94% of the bills carry bacteria. You may have heard drug dealers and users contaminate me and my fellows. Again, this is true. The Argonne National Laboratory revealed 78% of bills have trace amounts of cocaine. But do not be afraid of us. Be extra careful. Wash your hands frequently.

So, the next time you encounter me, put the bill to good use or take care of me. Tell my story to your children and grandchildren.