Evolution of the $100 Dollar Bill in the United States (2024)

FAQs

How has the $100 dollar bill changed? ›

In its first redesign since 1996, the new-design $100 note features additional security features including a 3-D Security Ribbon and color-shifting Bell in the Inkwell.

The First $100 Bill Was Printed in 1914

Even though the first $100 "Interest-Bearing Notes" were issued in 1861, the first $100 Federal Reserve Notes -- aka money as it's currently known -- were printed with Benjamin Franklin gracing the front, just like it is today.

1914: The first $100 Federal Reserve Note was issued with a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and allegorical figures representing labor, plenty, America, peace, and commerce on the reverse.

For information about $100 notes issued from 1914 - 1990, click here. All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued.

The new version of the $100 bill was issued on October 8th, 2013, by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. This version of the $100 note includes a series of advanced security features designed to prevent counterfeiting and enhance the security of the currency.

The redesigned $100 note incorporates two advanced security features — the 3-D Security Ribbon and the Bell in the Inkwell — and other innovative enhancements. It is not necessary to trade in your old-design notes for new ones. All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued.

The 1914 Federal Reserve Note was the first $100 note ever issued by the United States federal government. One hundred dollars is still a lot of money today, but back in 1914 when these notes were first issued it could represent several months' worth of wages!

One reason they have become so prevalent is that they enter circulation far quicker than they leave. They can last over a decade longer than $1s and $5s, partly because people are more likely to hold than spend them. The $100 bill is more effective for storing money than spending it.

The face on your $100 bill is none other than Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States. Celebrated for his contributions to science, politics, and philosophy, Franklin's legacy continues to be revered centuries later.

October 8, 2013 marked the release of Ben Franklin's modified updates to include advanced, security features intended to thwart counterfeiting. Such revamped features of the new $100 note include a blu... Additionally, the new $100 bill features a copper-colored inkwell.

Who designed the $100 bill? ›

Brian Thompson was given one of the most important tasks that anyone at the Bureau of Engraving could undertake — taking the lead on designing the new $100 bill. The new sleek $100 bills were released by the U.S. Federal Reserve on October 8, 2013.

The color change of copper/green to black on the 100 in the lower right corner will help you verify an authentic $100 bill. A fake bill will not turn to black when you tilt the bill. It will stay copper/green.

Today, the general public is still largely unfamiliar with the notes because they are not widely circulated and continue to be hoarded. The common misconception that the $2 note is no longer being produced also remains, though $2 notes have been printed since 1862, except for a 10-year hiatus between 1966 and 1976.

Starting in 2013, the US introduced a new 100 dollar bill, informally known as the “Blue Dollar” in the Lebanese market, which features a blue 3D ribbon woven into the center of the note as opposed to the older note known as the “White Dollar.”

Exchanging old banknotes

Many banks accept withdrawn notes as deposits from customers. The Post Office will also accept withdrawn notes as a deposit into any bank account you can access at the Post Office. And you can always exchange withdrawn notes with us.

The entire layout of the $100 bill was redesigned in 1996 to deter counterfeiting. In addition to completely redesigning the layout, a watermark of Benjamin Franklin was added to the right side of the bill.

October 8, 2013 marked the release of Ben Franklin's modified updates to include advanced, security features intended to thwart counterfeiting. Such revamped features of the new $100 note include a blu... Additionally, the new $100 bill features a copper-colored inkwell.

The bill has a large number 100 on its back. It's there so people who are visually impaired might recognize it from other denominations. It cost 15 cents to make a $100 dollar bill. The newest design, and the government has changed it four times, came into circulation in 2013.

Standardization of Design. The appearance of U.S. banknotes changes greatly in 1929. In an effort to lower manufacturing costs, all Federal Reserve notes are made about 30 percent smaller—measuring 6.14 x 2.61 inches, rather than 7.375 x 3.125 inches.