The new "Andrew Jackson" got a global send-off on 13 May 2003 when the U.S. Department of Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing held a news conference in Washington D.C. unveiling the new $20 note.

In Moscow, the Washington D.C. news conference featuring U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow and Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan, was carried live to a crowded room at the U.S. Embassy of more than 60 reporters and officials of the Russian Central Bank and Ministry of Interior.

The PBN Company serves as communications consultant for Russia to the U.S. Department of Treasury under a subcontract with Burson-Marsteller, which is responsible for the global public education campaign introducing the newly designed U.S. currency.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Snow said that the "U.S. currency is a worldwide symbol of security and integrity. This new design will help us keep it that way, protecting against counterfeiting and making it easier for people to confirm the authenticity of their hard-earned money."

Chairman Greenspan echoed these comments. "The soundness of the nation's currency is essential to the soundness of its economy," he said. "And, to uphold our currency's soundness, it must be recognized and honored as legal tender, and counterfeiting must be effectively thwarted."

After the United States, Russia has the largest circulation of U.S. currency, making it a priority country for the U.S. Treasury's education campaign. In addition to media work, PBN is working with Russian banks, retailers, businesses and consumers to inform them about the new security features of the $20 note.

U.S. Ambassador to Russia Alexander Vershbow predicted a smooth introduction of the new notes in Russia. "The color of the U.S. dollar is changing, but not its reliability. The U.S. will be working with the Russian Central Bank to ensure that the introduction of the new $20 bill later this year proceeds just as smoothly as was the case during the last design changes in the 1990s."

The new $20 note will be issued in Fall 2003, with the new designs for the $50 and $100 following in 2004 and 2005.

The most noticeable difference in the $20 note is the subtle green, peach and blue colors featured in the background. Different colors will be used for other denominations.

"From Wall Street to Fleet Street, from St. Petersburg, Florida, to St. Petersburg, Russia, our goal is the seamless, smooth introduction of The New Color of Money," said U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin.

Email PBN's New Color of Money Project Managers: mikhail.goncharov@pbnco.com , mark.dillen@pbnco.com or paul.nathanson@pbnco.com

For more information, including an image of the new $20 design: www.moneyfactory.com/newmoney.