bretton woods

The dollar has helped make the U.S. the most economically powerful country for most of the last century, but other countries – including rivals like China – have the greenback on their sights.

The Treasury reviews some 24,000 cases a year and reimburses around $30 million to people whose money has been burned, flooded or otherwise damaged. This service helps underpin the dollar's integrity.

It all started at a hotel high in the mountains of New Hampshire.