Aarva

The Conversation ·For the curious

We Analyzed Paper Money Printed by Ben Franklin to Uncover His Anti‑counterfeiting Techniques and Materials Innovations

by Khachatur Manukyan, Associate Research Professor of Physics & Astronomy, University of Notre Dame

Published 2026-06-04 12:23:26+00:00

Why did Benjamin Franklin turn to chemistry and botany to make paper money feel real?

0:00 / 8:41 · Narrator Algieba

Context

Writing on 4 June 2026, a team of materials scientists examines how Benjamin Franklin treated the printing press as a laboratory for social trust. While history often frames him as a statesman, this scientific analysis of colonial currency reveals a craftsman focused on the physical properties of ink and paper. By embedding mica and experimenting with graphite, Franklin wasn't just making money; he was engineering a solution to a crisis of confidence. The piece observes how these 18th-century material innovations formed the quiet foundation for the security features found in modern wallets.

Show notes

A materials science analysis of nearly 600 colonial American bills details the technical innovations Benjamin Franklin used to deter counterfeiting. Microscopic imaging and chemical testing identify his use of graphite-based inks, mica particles, and printed leaf patterns. These physical security features were engineered to establish the public trust necessary for the colonies’ early paper-based economy.

Read on The Conversation →