It was far too hot to work in the garden and so I looked for somewhere cool to spend part of the day. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth has free tours around their facility. The Western Currency Facility is one of the locations where U.S. paper currency is printed (the other is in Washington D.C.) 95% of the currency printed replaces money taken out of circulation as the average use of a dollar bill is only 21 months. This week several of the engravers and printers are displaying their craft and can answer questions and show in 
detail the engraving plates. Over nineteen million notes are printed at the facility every day.Texas at one time printed its own currency after breaking away from Mexico and forming a republic. The Texas currency was in circulation for 9 years 11 months and 17 days.
One lady visiting from the D.C. facility spends her day doing jigsaw puzzles. Puzzles with paper money. Her job is to decide if enough of a damaged, torn or burned note is adequate for reimbursement. If she determines there is 51% of the note remaining, the value will be reimbursed. Make sure you don't take cell phones or cameras with you. An announcement as you walk toward the visitors area will inform you of prohibited items.
