US may print other countries' currencies

The US government’s giant printing presses could soon be cranking out something in addition to the old American greenback.

The Treasury Department’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing has received the go-ahead from the US Congress to print other countries’ currencies.

A provision giving the bureau this authority is contained in a bill overhauling the country’s intelligence operations. The bill is awaiting President George Bush’s signature to become law.

Although the US government wouldn’t profit from such ventures, bureau director Thomas Ferguson said the experience could help it sharpen its anti-counterfeiting skills.

Currently, though, the bureau hasn’t lined up the business of any countries, Ferguson said. It plans a very low-key marketing approach.

“We’ll certainly let countries know, but we’re not a marketing firm. We’re not a private company. We’ll be available if they need us,” Ferguson added.

He sees a potential target in small, developing countries that lack the technical wherewithal to produce their own currencies.