Museum on Main
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Protectograph check-writing machine

Machines like these made it harder for checks issued by businesses to be altered or forged. The printing mechanism not only applied ink to the paper check, it also inscribed the amount in a pattern of small holes. It also printed the amount in a style like “TheSum5068Dols82cts,” leaving no room for anyone to add digits to the total.
​Similar methods are still used today to secure cashier’s checks and other checks for large sums, but the machines are electronic rather than mechanical.

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Museum on Main 603 Main Street Pleasanton, CA 94566   --   925.462.2766   --   www.museumonmain.org
  • Home
  • Visit/Contact
    • Hours and Directions
  • Education/Programs
    • Paint and Sip
    • Ed Kinney Series: An Evening With...
    • Charles Huff Free Historical Walking Tours
    • Harrington Free Art Walks
    • Student Programs
  • Exhibits/Collections
    • Exhibits
    • History of Pleasanton
    • Video - Museum on Main Moments
    • Collections
    • Research >
      • Newspaper Research
    • Photographs
    • Things to Donate?
  • Join/Donate
    • Donate
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Living History Program
  • About
    • Mission & History
    • The Values of History
    • EDI Statement
    • Board of Directors
    • Administrative Documents
    • Contact
  • Blog