US Currency in Circulation Continues to Grow

The US Federal Reserve has published the print order to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for calendar year (CY) 2026, which is in the range of 3.8-5.1 billion notes, valued at $108.9-$139.6 billion. During the year, the Feder Reserve Board and BEP staff may adjust production of each denomination to best match demand throughout the year.

The order is likely to include production of the new $10, the first in the new Catalyst series of banknotes, which will be introduced one denomination at a time in two yearly intervals and which will include upgraded security features as well as aids for the visually impaired.

The order compares with the projected requirement for 2025 of 6.8 billion notes, which ended up at 4.6 billion notes. The reduction in the 2025 order was attributed to the retooling equipment’s offline time requirements for the preparation and testing needed for the new series.