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A History of Disruption
A Story of Trust,
Innovation, and Disruption
Every great legacy begins with a bold idea. Ours began in 1795, protecting a young nation's future. From hand-engraved banknotes to cutting-edge security solutions, our journey is one of disruption, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of trust. This is our story—built over centuries, driven by purpose, and still being written.
1795
Formed in Philadelphia by Robert Scot and three partners
The origins of the American Bank Note Company (ABN) trace back to 1795, beginning as Murray, Draper, Fairham & Company. This early firm was formed in Philadelphia by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, along with three partners. Scot’s expertise and role with the U.S. Mint made the company one of the first in America dedicated to secure printing, an essential service in a young nation growing rapidly in population and commerce.
The firm specialized in engraving stock certificates, bonds, and banknotes for the many state-chartered banks that operated independently, as the federal government had not yet assumed a unified currency production role.
With its focus on high-security printed materials, the company helped develop anti-counterfeiting techniques crucial for the era. It set the foundation for what would later become ABN when, in 1858, it merged with several other leading engraving companies to officially form the American Bank Note Company.
ABN grew to be the leading secure printer for banks and governments across the United States and eventually, globally, expanding into printing currency and other secure documents for over 40 countries by the late 19th century.
This early history established ABN as a pioneer in secure printing, with innovations that served not only American banks but also international clients, a legacy that shaped its evolution into the secure printing giant it became in subsequent centuries.
Our Paul Revere Connection
Paul Revere was not only famous for his midnight ride in the American Revolution. He also operated a metalworking and engraving business that produced early currency and security-related printing. His enterprise, through name changes and acquisitions, eventually became part of the broader lineage that evolved into ABCorp.
Revere’s original engraving and metalworking endeavors are recognized as a foundational piece of ABCorp’s heritage.
Artifact Spotlight
Paul Revere appears on a lineage chart that still hangs in ABCorp’s office to this day, evidence of our shared historical connection.
1800s
Throughout the 1800s, we established our legacy in secure printing and financial innovation. During this century, we set the foundation for trust and security in global commerce.
Milestones:
1830
Development of Engraving Techniques
Before its official formation, the companies that eventually became ABN pioneered high-quality engraving techniques, which later became industry standards for secure printing.
1851
First Stock Certificates
The companies that eventually became ABN began printing stock certificates for banks and companies, marking the start of its role in secure financial document printing, a service that expanded significantly over the decades.
1858
Formation of the American Bank Note Company (ABN)
Several prominent security printing firms, including Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, and Danforth, Perkins & Company, merged to form ABN, consolidating the industry and establishing ABN as the primary producer of banknotes in the United States.
1862
Production of Postage Stamps
During the Civil War, ABN took on the responsibility of printing U.S. postage stamps, demonstrating its versatility and vital role in national infrastructure during critical times.
1891
Printing U.S. Treasury Bonds
ABN began printing U.S. Treasury bonds, underscoring its importance in national financial infrastructure and solidifying its reputation for producing high-security, trusted financial instruments.
America's First Postage Stamp
In 1847, the U.S. Post Office Department issued its first official postage stamps: a 5-cent stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin and a 10-cent stamp depicting George Washington.
These stamps were engraved and printed by Rawdon, Wright, Hatch, and Edson, a firm that later became part of the American Bank Note Company. The intricate designs and high-quality engraving of these stamps set a standard for security and artistry in philately.
Artifact Spotlight
The first official U.S. postage stamps; a 5-cent stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin and a 10-cent stamp with George Washington
1900s
In the 20th century, the American Bank Note Company (now ABCorp) evolved by introducing advanced security features, diversifying its capabilities, and contributing to national events.
Milestones:
1916
Introduction of Microprinting
ABN introduced microprinting, a groundbreaking anti-counterfeiting measure, which made documents more secure against fraudulent replication and set a precedent for future security techniques.
1922
Expansion to Include Immigration Documents
With the rise in international travel, ABN expanded its services to print secure immigration documents for the U.S. government, showcasing its role in handling sensitive identity documents.
1943
Contribution to World War II Efforts
During World War II, ABN contributed to the war effort by printing military payment certificates, war bonds, and ration stamps, demonstrating its adaptability and national importance in times of need.
1954
Printing of the First Credit Card Stock
ABN began producing the first stock for credit cards, responding to the burgeoning credit industry. This move marked ABN’s entrance into secure plastic card printing, an industry it would continue to support as credit cards became mainstream.
1963
Adoption of Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
ABN was one of the first companies to incorporate OCR into its secure printing, allowing documents to be machine-readable, which enhanced security and accuracy in financial transactions.
1976
U.S. Bicentennial Commemorations
In celebration of the United States Bicentennial, ABN printed special commemorative stamps and documents, showcasing its craftsmanship.
1991
Introduction of Holographic Elements
ABN pioneered the use of holographic images in its documents to add an extra layer of security, helping prevent counterfeiting with an advanced, visually distinctive feature.
1997
Historic Landmark Building Recognition
ABN’s former headquarters at 70 Broad Street in New York City was designated a New York City landmark in 1997, underscoring the historical and architectural significance of the building. Later, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its place in American industrial heritage.
The $20 Advertising Proof Banknote
ABN showcased its unparalleled expertise in security printing with the $20 denomination advertising proof banknote. This meticulously crafted specimen was designed not for circulation, but as a demonstration piece to exhibit the company’s advanced printing techniques and intricate artistry to potential clients.
The elaborate engravings are a result of microprinting, a technique pioneered by ABN that involves extremely small text that is difficult to replicate without specialized equipment.
Artifact Spotlight
This advertising proof banknote exemplifies our dedication to precision and artistry in security printing, featuring microprinting that underscores the company’s pivotal role in advancing anti-counterfeiting measures in banknote design.
2000s
In the 21st century, ABCorp expanded into biometrics, blockchain, and sustainable manufacturing while preserving its legacy of innovation.
Milestones:
2008
Acquisition by American Banknote Corporation (ABCorp)
The American Bank Note Company was acquired by the American Banknote Corporation to strengthen the company’s market position and expand its capabilities in secure document printing and technology.
2008
Historic Landmark Building Recognition - Bronx Printing Plant
ABCorp’s historic Bronx printing plant, known for its unique industrial architecture, was designated a landmark in 2008. This recognition preserved a major piece of ABCorp’s operational history, emphasizing the plant’s role as one of the most complete security printing facilities of its time. The building has since become a symbol of industrial innovation and historical preservation.
2018
Development of Biometric-Integrated ID Cards
ABCorp integrated biometric security features into its identity card products, advancing its secure ID offerings with cutting-edge technology to meet modern security demands.
2020
Expansion into Blockchain and Digital Ledger Technology
ABCorp incorporated blockchain technology to authenticate documents digitally, a modern evolution of its secure printing expertise that addressed the growing need for digital verification in various industries.
2021
Development of Eco-Friendly Security Printing Methods
ABCorp introduced environmentally friendly inks and paper, responding to modern sustainability demands and demonstrating its adaptability to new industry standards and social responsibility.
2021
Expansion of Additive Manufacturing Center
ABCorp grew its 3D printing capabilities through its Additive Manufacturing Center (AMC) in Boston. This facility featured advanced production systems allowing for high-precision production and prototyping. The AMC also offered finishing capabilities enabling custom-colored, functional parts with consistent quality and tight tolerances.
2022
FDA Registration for Medical Device Manufacturing
ABCorp’s AMC achieved FDA registration, allowing it to manufacture a wide range of medical devices, including Class I and II products and some Class III implants. This milestone positioned ABCorp to serve major medical manufacturers by offering a faster go-to-market option for medical devices, leveraging its 3D printing technology to reduce production costs and enhance design flexibility.
2022
Sustainable Initiatives with Plastic Bank
ABCorp partnered with Plastic Bank to introduce Plastic Net-Zero card products, addressing environmental concerns by producing cards that offset plastic waste. This partnership aligned with global sustainability goals and showcased ABCorp’s commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing in the eco-conscious financial product market.
Present
Continuing Legacy of Security and Innovation
Today, ABCorp continues to be a leader in payments, authentication, and additive manufacturing by leveraging centuries of expertise while constantly innovating in response to modern challenges.
This is Not the End of Our Story
Our most impactful innovations and disruptions are still being printed.
In the meantime, you can learn more about our history by downloading The Story of American Bank Note Company. While much of our work remains confidential, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistry, security, and innovation behind some of the world’s most valuable documents.
Artifact Spotlight
Written by William H. Griffiths, this book our legacy from 1795 to 1958 in 92 pages filled with rich history, engraved portraits, and vignettes.
