New names on notes

New signatures are on the way for the paper money of the United States.

When President Donald Trump takes the oath of office Jan. 20, 2017, he will bring with him a new Treasury secretary.

One of the duties of that individual is to sign the nation’s Federal Reserve Notes. This signature appears to the right of the portrait on the face side of each denomination.

By recent tradition, when the Treasury secretary’s name changes on paper money, it is given a new series year, in this case, likely 2017.

That signature will be paired with a new Treasurer of the United States. This appears on the left side of the portrait on all but the $100. On the top denomination, they are both on the left side.

Currently Jack Lew and Rosa Gumataotao Rios share the signature duties on Series 2013 notes even though Rios left office in July.

Series dates on American paper money do not change with the calendar. They are changed only when designs are altered, which also includes signature changes.

Both the Treasury secretary's position and that of U.S. Treasurer are political appointments who are named President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

More Collecting Resources

• Are you a U.S. coin collector? Check out the 2017 U.S. Coin Digest for the most recent coin prices.

• The Standard Catalog of United States Paper Money is the only annual guide that provides complete coverage of U.S. currency with today’s market prices.