The United States $100 bill is not only a symbol of economic stability but also a testament to the ongoing battle against counterfeit currency. As technology advances, so do the methods employed by counterfeiters, necessitating continual updates to banknote security features.
When was the new $100 bill 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.
Why was a new $100 bill issued?
The Federal Reserve issued the new $100 bill to incorporate advanced security features designed to combat counterfeiting, as well as to update its design to include symbols of American history and democracy. These changes are part of an ongoing effort to protect the integrity of U.S. currency and to ensure that it remains a reliable and secure medium of exchange.
To that end, the new $100 bill includes several new security features. These include:
1. Blue 3D Security Ribbon: This is a blue ribbon with 3D images embedded in the center of the note, featuring bells and the numeral 100 that shift as you move the bill.
2. Portrait Watermark: Holding the bill up to light reveals an image of Benjamin Franklin on the right side.
3. Color-Shifting Ink: Special ink is used on the lower right corner of the number 100 which changes color from copper to green when the bill is tilted.
4. Security Thread: In addition to the 3D security ribbon, there is a pink microprinted security thread embedded vertically in the paper running from top to bottom.
5. Microprinting: Extremely small text is printed around Benjamin Franklin’s collar and other areas, visible only with a magnifying glass.
6. Raised Printing: The intaglio printing technique adds texture to the bill, notably on Benjamin Franklin’s portrait, the Declaration of Independence text, and the numeral 100.
7. Gold 100 Number: A large gold numeral 100 is printed on the back lower right corner, to help those with visual impairments distinguish the denomination.
8. Enhanced Engravings and Design: The back of the bill features a portion of the manuscript of the Declaration of Independence, and additional elements of the U.S. flag are incorporated into the front design.
9. Red and Blue Fibers: The paper contains tiny red and blue fibers interspersed throughout, which are not printed on but are incorporated into the paper during its creation.
Combined, these security features significantly enhance the $100 bill’s resistance to counterfeiting and make it easier for the public to verify authenticity.
FAQs
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 new-design $100 note also includes a portrait watermark of Benjamin Franklin that is visible from both sides of the note when held to light.
How to spot a fake new $100 bill? ›
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.
Are they printing new $100 dollar bills? ›
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.
What year is the newest $100 bill? ›
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.
Can I check the serial number on a $100 bill? ›
The serial number appears in the upper left and lower right corners. If the serial number doesn't correspond to the series, then you are dealing with a counterfeit.
What 5 main characteristics of currency should you examine when looking for counterfeit bills? ›
With advances in printing technology, fake money that looks real can be challenging to identify. To spot counterfeits, look for the absence of features like security threads, UV properties, watermarks, and color-shifting inks.
What does a counterfeit marker look like on a fake bill? ›
The easiest way to find out whether or not the bill is fake is to buy a cheap and easy to use pen. If you mark the bill and it's real, the mark is yellow or clear. If the mark turns dark brown or black, then you know the bill is fake.
Does money counter check for fake bills? ›
Another available detection method in some money counters is a magnetic sensor, which measures the magnetic field on a given bill. Some counterfeiters do use magnetic ink, but its field will lessen over time. A third, and less common, detection method is through the use of infrared rays.
Where can I get brand new dollar bills? ›
To obtain new currency, we recommend you contact your local bank to see if it has new currency inventory. Federal Reserve Banks provide currency only to depository institutions, which then distribute it to members of the public.
What is the newest dollar bill? ›
The current design $100 note is the latest denomination of U.S. currency to be redesigned, and it was issued on October 8, 2013.
"C-note" is a slang term for a $100 banknote in U.S. currency. The "C" in C-note refers to the Roman numeral for 100, which was printed on $100 bills, and it can also refer to a century. The term came to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s, and it was popularized in a number of gangster films.
What happens if a $100 dollar bill has a star? ›
A “star” suffix is used to identify notes that serve as replacements during the production process.
How do I order new $100 bills from the bank? ›
Ask a teller for them. It's very common, especially at Christmas, for tellers to put an extra bill or two aside in crisp new condition in case favored customers need them as gifts. You have a good chance of getting them the rest of the year too if you simply ask. Many like their bill...
Are older $100 bills worth anything? ›
Most of the $100 bills that sell for five figures, six figures or more are vintage currency from the pre-1914 era when bills became Benjamins. But plenty of C-notes from the modern era can also be worth big money — and they usually derive their value from their serial numbers.
What security features does $100 note have? ›
Tilt the banknote to see a rolling colour effect, which is visible on both sides of the banknote. Look for an owl, wattle branch, serial number and year of print that fluoresce under UV light.
What are the 3 security measures hidden on the 20 dollar bill? ›
The $20 note includes an embedded security thread that glows green when illuminated by UV light. When held to light, a portrait watermark of President Jackson is visible from both sides of the note. In addition, the note includes a color-shifting numeral 20 in the lower right corner of the note.
What are the main security features of the currency notes? ›
Cylinder mould watermarks are fundamental, easily recognizable security elements on a banknote. We have improved technology and production, and made them even more secure.
