Before 1929, American banknotes were considerably larger than the bills carried today—earning them the nickname “horse blankets.”

In 1929, the Treasury introduced smaller, standardized notes. The reduced size lowered paper and production costs while allowing the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to fit 12 notes on a sheet instead of only eight.

That major redesign established the basic dimensions still used for modern U.S. currency.

From oversized “horse blankets” to today’s pocket-sized bills, explore the changing history of authentic currency at ThePatriotVault.com.