The idea of setting money ablaze sparks curiosity, often fueled by dramatic portrayals in fiction. This question delves into the physical characteristics of currency, exploring what banknotes are made of and how they react to fire. Understanding these properties reveals why money behaves differently than ordinary paper and carries significant implications beyond its material form.
The Composition of Currency
United States banknotes are not made from typical wood-pulp paper. They are composed of a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen fibers. This textile composition, along with tiny red and blue synthetic fibers, contributes to the currency’s durability and distinct feel. This blend provides banknotes with resilience, making them resistant to tearing and wear. Coins, being metallic, do not burn.
Flammability and Its Effects
Despite their durable composition, U.S. banknotes are not fireproof and will burn when subjected to sufficient heat. Paper money can ignite at approximately 451°F (233°C). When a banknote burns, it behaves similarly to other cellulose-based materials like cotton or linen fabric. It catches fire and burns with a yellow flame, often producing a smell reminiscent of burning paper or wood.
The banknote will char and smolder, eventually reducing to a fine, soft gray ash. Unlike some synthetic materials that melt, the cotton and linen fibers in currency combust, leaving behind a residue that crumbles easily. The burning process is a controlled combustion, not an explosive event. While it burns quickly, it does not flare up dramatically unless soaked in a highly flammable accelerant.
Legal Implications of Destruction
Deliberately destroying U.S. currency carries legal consequences under federal law. Title 18, Section 333 of the U.S. Code makes it illegal to mutilate, cut, deface, disfigure, or perforate any banknote issued by the Federal Reserve System. This statute targets actions taken with the intent to render the currency unfit for reissuing. The law aims to protect the integrity and usability of the nation’s circulating money supply.
Violations of this statute can result in significant penalties, including fines or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Intentional destruction must be distinguished from accidental damage. Banknotes that are accidentally damaged, such as those that are torn or worn, can often be exchanged at a bank, as long as a significant portion of the bill remains identifiable.