U.S. Paper Money Actually 75% Cotton And 25% Linen

The US dollar is also called “paper money,” a description that is misleading since the money is a fiber blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen.

All bills have an expected lifespan based on denomination.

This water-resistant, durable material can hold up to far more wear and tear than actual wood-pulp paper could, as reported by Interesting Facts.

It would take an estimated 4,000 repetitive folds in the same spot to cause a tear. US bills also include red and blue synthetic fibers, which are woven into the material and included to make counterfeiting more difficult.

The Federal Reserve generally allows cash to continue circulating regardless of age, so long as it’s in great shape — free from tears, holes, and writing, and still legible.

However, all bills have an expected lifespan based on denomination.

Smaller bills typically see more frequent use and wear out faster, with $5 bills having the shortest life at just 4.7 years and $1 notes lasting around 6.6 years.

After being removed from circulation, threadbare bills are shredded and moved on to a new purpose: 90% of destroyed dollars are used to make potting soil, compost, and construction materials like cement.

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