WASHINGTON-The first usage of the newly redesigned $20 bill was to purchase stamps from a vending machine in Washington, D.C. Government officials from Treasury's Bureaus of Engraving and Printing and the Federal Reserve launched the release of the new $20 bills by purchasing postage stamps at a public event Oct. 9. "After months of seeing them roll off of the presses, I am honored to spend the first new $20 bill in my hometown of Washington, D.C.," James Brent, the chief of the office of currency production at Treasury's BEP, said. Federal Reserve Board Financial Services Manager Michael Lambert was also on hand. A total of 30 events demonstrating the acceptance of the new currency were held nationwide. Financial institutions are already receiving the new bills from the Federal Reserve. The new $20 has subtle background colors of green, peach, and blue and improved security features to prevent counterfeiting in the digital age.