Posted on 02/02/2004 1:20:15 PM PST by anniegetyourgun
President Bush's 2005 budget called on the two agencies responsible for making the nation's money to explore a possible merger.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing makes greenbacks and the United States Mint produces the country's coins. Both agencies are part of the Treasury Department.
"Treasury, BEP and the Mint will conduct and deliver a study to Congress by July 1, 2004, regarding options to merge and/or streamline operations by consolidating certain functions and sharing costs," according to budget documents provided by the Treasury Department on Monday.
Messages left at both agencies seeking comment were not immediately returned.
Any merger or consolidation would require the approval of Congress.
The bureau is currently involved in a makeover of the $50 and $100 bills - slated to be unveiled this year - to thwart high-tech counterfeiters. Like the new $20s, which debuted last year, the new bills are expected to be more colorful.
The Mint, meanwhile, recently passed the halfway point in its popular 50 state quarter program. Last week the Mint took the wrappers off the Michigan quarter - No. 26. The Mint also recently unveiled new designs for the nickel, which hasn't had a major makeover since 1938. The new designs commemorate the bicentennial of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark expedition.
The Mint was created in 1792 and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which dates back to 1861, became the sole producer of U.S. paper currency in 1877.
Perhaps...
They can start by discontinuing pennies and $1 bills.
A dollar coin saves money in the long run because it lasts longer...
and IMHO, is also more convenient...
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