United States ten-dollar bill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ten dollars

(United States)
Value	$10
Width	156 mm
Height	66.3 mm
Weight	Approx. 1 g
Security features	Security fibers, security thread, watermark, color shifting ink, microprinting, raised printing, EURion constellation
Paper type	Cotton-linen
Years of printing	1861–present
Obverse
Design	Alexander Hamilton
Design date	2006
Reverse
Design	U.S. Treasury
Design date	2006

The United States ten-dollar bill, often called a $10 bill, is a type of money used in the United States. It's a specific value, or denomination, of the United States dollar. This bill is an important part of how people buy and sell things every day.

Who is on the $10 Bill?

The front, or obverse, of the $10 bill features a picture of Alexander Hamilton. He was a very important person in early American history. Hamilton was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He also served as the first Secretary of the Treasury. This means he was in charge of the country's money system.

Alexander Hamilton's Early Life

Alexander Hamilton was born on the island of Nevis in the British West Indies. He was born around 1755 or 1757. He came to America as a teenager to get a better education. He studied at King's College, which is now Columbia University in New York City.

Hamilton's Role in American History

Hamilton played a big part in the American Revolutionary War. He served as an aide to George Washington, who was the commander of the army. After the war, Hamilton helped write the United States Constitution. This document set up the rules for the U.S. government. He also wrote many essays called the Federalist Papers. These essays helped convince people to support the new Constitution.

Creating the U.S. Financial System

As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton had a huge job. He helped create the financial system of the United States. He set up the first national bank, called the First Bank of the United States. He also worked to make sure the new country could pay its debts. His ideas helped make the U.S. economy strong.

What is on the Back of the $10 Bill?

The back, or reverse, of the $10 bill shows the U.S. Treasury Building. This building is located in Washington, D.C.. It is where the U.S. Department of the Treasury works. This department manages the government's money. It also prints the money we use every day.

The Treasury Building's History

The Treasury Building is one of the oldest government buildings in Washington, D.C. It was built in several stages over many years. The first part was finished in 1842. The building is a symbol of the strength and stability of the U.S. financial system.

How is the $10 Bill Made Safe?

The $10 bill has many special features to prevent people from making fake copies. These are called security features. They help you know if a bill is real or fake.

• Security Thread: There is a thin, vertical strip embedded in the paper. If you hold the bill up to a light, you can see it. It glows orange under ultraviolet light.
• Watermark: When you hold the bill to a light, you can see a faint image of Alexander Hamilton. This image is on the right side of the bill.
• Color-Shifting Ink: The number "10" in the lower right corner on the front changes color. It shifts from copper to green when you tilt the bill.
• Microprinting: Very tiny words are printed in certain areas of the bill. You might need a magnifying glass to read them. For example, "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" is printed around Hamilton's portrait.
• Raised Printing: The ink on the bill feels slightly raised to the touch. This is especially true for Hamilton's portrait and the words "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
• Security Fibers: Tiny red and blue fibers are mixed into the paper itself. They are not printed on top.

Paper Type

U.S. currency is not made from regular paper. It is made from a special blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen. This makes the bills very durable and hard to tear. It also gives them a unique feel.

Images for kids

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  1805 portrait of Hamilton by John Trumbull

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  1880 $10 Legal Tender

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  Series 1880 $10 silver certificate.

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  Series 1901 $10 Legal Tender depicting military explorers Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and an American bison.

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  1914 $10 Federal Reserve Note

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  Series 1928 $10 Gold Certificate

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  Hawaii overprint note.

See also

In Spanish: Billete de diez dólares estadounidenses para niños