Hand someone a ten-dollar bill, and most people will say you handed them ten bucks. It sounds casual, quick, and natural. Everyone says it. Gas is four bucks a gallon. Burgers go for six bucks. Movie ...

Alex Wong—Getty Images. By Albinko Hasic. August 31, 2018 11:00 AM EDT. ... The story of American currency doesn’t start with the dollar we know and love (or hate).