Number: RL30904
Title: Why Is the Amount of Currency in Circulation Rising?
Authors: Gail Makinen, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: This report explains that the amount of currency in circulation has been growing rather than decreasing. It appears that currency is far from becoming the really "small change" of the American monetary system. The analysis in this report suggests, however, that all is not quite what it appears to be. In fact, currency in circulation in the United States is becoming the small change of the American monetary system.
Pages: 14
Date: April 30, 2004