So, does anyone know why the BEP chose to use separate letting for the series letter in the serial number for the old and new style notes? For example. The new, colorized style $10, $20, and $50 have a letter I for the series 2006 bills, yet the old style $5 and $100 have a letter H for the series 2006 bills. the only thing that I can possibly think of is that it is easier to set up optical recognition for the first letter in the serial number in order to pull out the old style notes for destruction regardless of whether the note is fit for recirculation. Just thinking out loud and curious if anyone has read any statements from the BEP as to why they are not using the same letter for the same series.
Every time there is a change in series or style expect to see this. When they started in 1996 it was A, then B in 99 etc. I wonder what they'll do when Z is used up and they've never used O because it looks like a zero. With the two letter prefix they just might.
when the new $100 comes out, i think early 2008, as clembo suggested, it should also have the I prefix.
Pretty much what I was saying so I had to edit my post. Brain working faster than fingers. Happens a lot with me.
I'm guessing the new $100 will have a higher letter. I don't think the design was approved in 2006 in order to get the I designation. But my question was, why use different letters for the exact same series designation? They used both H and I for 2006 series notes. Are they able to automate distinguishing between the H and I in order to remove old style notes?
i dont know for sure. I am not sure if the letter change is strictly for new series..more so for the new changes in security. If it has to do with security features, then it just might have the I. if it is strictly date related, then your right, it might be a different letter. i will have to search on that tonight when i get home.
