You’ve probably got one in your pocket right now. Or maybe it's tucked into a greeting card or stuck under the floor mat of your car. I'm talking about the Andrew Jackson note. If you look closely at a 20 US dollar picture, you’ll see the seventh president looking somewhat stern, surrounded by green-and-black intaglio ink that feels slightly raised to the touch. It’s iconic. It’s also, quite frankly, a massive source of political and logistical drama that’s been dragging on for over a decade.
Most people think the Treasury just prints money whenever they feel like it. Not true. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is actually stuck in this incredibly complex dance between security, art, and politics. We’ve been hearing since 2016 that Harriet Tubman was going to replace Jackson. Yet, here we are in 2026, and Jackson is still staring back at us.
The weird anatomy of a 20 US dollar picture
Ever really looked at it? Like, really looked?
The current design is the Series 2004. It was a big deal when it dropped because it added subtle background colors. We moved away from the "small head" notes of the 90s to this "big head" portrait that isn't even centered. It’s offset to make room for the watermark. On the right side of the 20 US dollar picture, there’s that metallic green "20" that shifts color when you tilt the bill. That’s not just for show. It’s optical variable ink. It’s expensive stuff.
The back of the bill features the White House. But specifically, it’s the North Portico. Did you know the design was updated in 1998 to add more detail to the trees and the building itself? It’s basically a tiny, highly-detailed engraving that would make a Renaissance artist sweat. The paper isn't even paper. It’s a 75% cotton and 25% linen blend. That’s why it doesn’t fall apart in the wash. Usually.
Security features you definitely missed
If you hold a twenty up to a bright light, you'll see a vertical plastic strip. It says "USA TWENTY" and has a tiny flag. This is the security thread. It actually glows green under ultraviolet light. I've seen bartenders check this a thousand times. Then there’s the microprinting. Look at the border of the portrait. There’s text that is literally too small for a standard desktop scanner to reproduce accurately. It says "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 20 USA 20" over and over.
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The Harriet Tubman delay is a logistical nightmare
Everyone asks: "Where is Harriet?" The plan to put Harriet Tubman on the 20 US dollar picture was announced by Jack Lew under the Obama administration. Then things got... complicated. It wasn't just politics, though that played a role. It was the "high-speed tactile feature."
Basically, the government is legally required to make currency accessible to the blind. This means adding a raised feature so someone can feel the difference between a $20 and a $50. Adding that to a high-speed printing process that cranks out millions of notes a day is a technical disaster. You can't just "stamp" it on. If the bump is too high, the bills won't stack flat. They’ll lean like the Tower of Pisa. If it’s too flat, it’s useless.
The BEP has been testing different polymers and resins. According to the Treasury’s latest roadmap, we aren’t likely to see the new Tubman 20 in general circulation until closer to 2030. Jackson isn't leaving anytime soon. He’s staying on the back, or at least that’s the compromise for now.
Why the $20 is the "Goldilocks" of American cash
The $1 bill is too small for big purchases. The $100 is a pain because half the gas stations in the country won't take it. The $20? It’s perfect. It’s the primary denomination dispensed by ATMs. Because of that, it has a high "velocity." It moves fast. It gets dirty. It gets torn.
An average 20 US dollar picture in physical form lasts about 7.8 years. Compare that to a $100 bill, which can last over 15 years because people tend to hoard them or keep them in safes. The $20 is the workhorse. It’s also the most counterfeited note in the US. Overseas, counterfeiters love the $100. Domestically? They go for the $20 because people don't look at them as closely.
Spotting a fake without a fancy pen
Those yellow markers you see at registers? They’re okay, but they only react to the starch in wood-based paper. Professional counterfeiters use "bleached" bills—they take a real $5, wash off the ink, and print a $20 on top. The pen will say it's real paper. Because it is.
The real way to tell? Feel the jacket. Run your fingernail across Andrew Jackson’s shoulder. It should feel rough, like a file. If it’s smooth, it’s a fake. No exceptions. Also, check the watermark. It should be an actual image of Jackson embedded in the paper, not printed on the surface. If it looks dark and muddy, stay away.
The future of the 20 US dollar picture
We are moving toward a cashless society, sure. But the demand for physical $20 bills is actually increasing. It’s a paradox. People want "hard" cash for emergencies or privacy. The new designs that are coming will look significantly different. Expect more blue and peach hues. Expect that tactile feature I mentioned.
There’s also the "Counterfeit Deterrence System" (CDS). Have you ever tried to take a photo of a 20 US dollar picture and open it in Photoshop? Most modern versions of the software will literally block you. They recognize the "EURion constellation"—a pattern of small yellow circles that look like stars. It’s a secret code built into the design that tells scanners and printers: "Do not copy this."
Actionable steps for handling your cash
Honestly, most of us just shove change into our wallets without thinking. But if you’re dealing with cash frequently, here’s how to stay sharp:
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- The Shoulder Rub: Always use the "raised ink" test on Jackson’s coat. It’s the hardest feature to fake because it requires an actual intaglio press, which costs millions.
- The Light Test: Hold every twenty up to the light. If the watermark portrait doesn't match the main portrait, you're holding a bleached bill (a $5 disguised as a $20).
- The Tilt: Look at the "20" in the bottom right corner. If it doesn't change from copper to green, it's a dud.
- Clean it up: If you have a ripped bill, as long as 51% of it is intact and you have the serial numbers, a bank will usually swap it for you. Don't throw money away just because it’s taped.
The 20 US dollar picture is more than just a piece of paper. It’s a battlefield of history, security tech, and political tug-of-war. Whether you love Jackson or are waiting for Tubman, that green slip of paper is going to remain the most important tool in your wallet for a long time. Pay attention to the details; they're the only things keeping the economy's "Goldilocks" bill from being easily faked.