Lucite Historic Bills Art with Red Tape

• Handmade in Philadelphia
• Lucite encasement
• Bills are selected randomly as available
• Images show example bills that may no longer be available

• Product Description
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• Here we are offering two pieces of history in one: A piece of used U.S. Government Red Tape, and a decommissioned, historic currency bill in a lucite display. The bills will be randomly selected as they are available to us. Grade A bills will generally have more recognizable illustrations or text, such as images of Founding Fathers, Presidents, and other well-known historical figures. Grade B bills will feature lesser-known and sought-after depictions. The Grade is not an indicator of the physical condition of the bill.

By the end of the American Civil War, it was common practice in the Western world to bind important documents with red ribbon. Civil War veterans' service records were often tied with red ribbon, and the difficulty of obtaining these records to file pension claims led to the modern American phrase "cut through the red tape."

The amount of ribbon used by the Union Army was considerable. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 1864, the headquarters of the War Department alone purchased a total of 154 miles of red tape. Eventually, the stapler would replace red tape bindings, streamlining administrative tasks. Today, artists creatively repurpose red tape, transforming it into unique historical mementos and souvenirs.