The Origin of the Woz’s Personalized Currency

For over three decades, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has cultivated a unique and recognizable ‍habit: distributing personalized two-dollar bills. These aren’t standard currency;⁤ Wozniak modifies them himself, stamping each⁣ bill⁣ wiht his initials, turning them into a personal calling card and a playful, ‌albeit somewhat costly, gesture of ⁣generosity. As Wozniak explained in a 2023 interview with the New York Times, the practice began in the late 1980s as ‌a way to make tips more memorable (New ‍York Times).

The key to Wozniak’s practice lies in its legality. He doesn’t print money, which would constitute ​a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code § 471 ⁣(Legal​ Data Institute, Cornell Law School). ⁣Rather, he legally purchases uncut sheets of two-dollar bills directly from the United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). The BEP offers uncut currency sheets for sale to the public, allowing collectors and enthusiasts ​to acquire them legally (U.S.Bureau of Engraving and Printing).

Why Two-Dollar Bills?

The choice of two-dollar bills isn’t⁣ arbitrary. Wozniak has stated that ⁣he chose them because they were relatively uncommon and therefore more likely to be remembered. According to the Federal Reserve, two-dollar bills represent‍ a very small fraction of all currency in circulation – less than 0.001% (Federal Reserve FAQs).⁤ This rarity ‍contributes to the novelty and impact of receiving a Wozniak-stamped‍ bill.

The cost of this habit ⁤is critically⁣ important. Uncut sheets of two-dollar bills can be expensive, and the time spent stamping and distributing them adds to the overall expense.However, Wozniak⁤ views it as ⁢a worthwhile ⁤investment in creating memorable experiences for others.

The Legality of ⁢Modifying Currency

While defacing or altering currency with the intent‍ to ‍defraud is ⁣illegal,simply marking ‍or‌ stamping bills for personal use is generally permissible,provided it‌ doesn’t render the bill‌ unusable as legal tender. The U.S. Department of the Treasury ⁣states that ⁤modifying ​currency ‌is allowed as long as it doesn’t violate federal laws regarding counterfeiting or fraud (U.S. Department of ⁢the Treasury FAQs). Wozniak’s ​practice falls within these guidelines, as his stamps don’t impede⁤ the bill’s