Yellen unveils U.S. banknotes that mark two historic firsts

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen hailed the work done by women in her department as she unveiled the first U.S. banknotes bearing the signature of a female secretary.

"Women represent around 62% of the Treasury workforce, and women are in positions of power across our department," Yellen said Thursday at a Bureau of Engraving and Printing facility in Fort Worth, Texas. "Today is not about me or a new signature on our currency. It's about our collective work to create a stronger and more inclusive economy."

Ting Shen/Bloomberg

The new $1 and $5 bills being printed in Fort Worth are also the first carrying the signature of a Native American woman — U.S. Treasurer Lynn Malerba. The banknotes will be delivered to the Federal Reserve in December and enter into circulation in January, a Treasury spokesperson said.

The Fort Worth facility is one of two that print U.S. banknotes; the other is in Washington.