Government shutdown or not, the American economy is going to get a fresh infusion of cash on Tuesday. The redesigned $100 bill that has had to overcome multiple delays is finally ready to enter circulation. An October 8th launch was promised back in April, but it seemed like that date could slip yet again following a printing snafu that consigned some 30 million notes to the incinerator.

The main reason for the present redesign, initially unveiled in 2010, has been to curtail counterfeiting. Raised printing, microprinting, and color-shifting images are all utilized for that purpose, while the subtle blue background and numerous references to the United States' foundation are there to satisfy the demands of history and aesthetics.