Have you ever received a $100 bill and wondered if it’s genuine? You’re not alone. With counterfeit currency being a real concern, especially when dealing with larger denominations, knowing how to verify your money is crucial. The good news is that the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing has packed the modern $100 bill with incredible security features that make it nearly impossible to fake.
Whether you’re a business owner, cashier, or just someone who occasionally handles cash, understanding these features can save you from accepting fake money. Let’s explore the fascinating world of currency security and learn how to become your own counterfeit detective.
Why the $100 Bill Needs Extra Protection
The $100 bill holds a special place in American currency. Since 1969, it’s been the highest denomination in regular circulation, making it an attractive target for counterfeiters. When you consider that a single fake bill could cost someone $74000 worth of purchasing power over their lifetime if they unknowingly accept multiple counterfeits, the importance of these security measures becomes clear.
The 2013 redesign of the $100 bill marked a revolutionary moment in currency security. This wasn’t just a cosmetic update – it was a complete overhaul that introduced cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated counterfeiting methods.
The Magic Blue Ribbon: Your First Line of Defense
3D Security Ribbon Technology
Right in the center of your $100 bill, you’ll notice a distinctive blue ribbon that looks almost like a magic trick. This isn’t just decorative – it’s one of the most advanced security features ever put on U.S. currency.
When you tilt the bill back and forth, watch carefully at the blue ribbon. You’ll see tiny bells transform into the number “100” and move in the opposite direction of your tilt. This happens because the ribbon contains hundreds of thousands of micro-lenses that create this mesmerizing optical effect.
What makes this feature so secure is that it can’t be photocopied or scanned. The 3D effect only works with the genuine micro-lens technology used in authentic bills. If you see a $100 bill where this ribbon doesn’t move or change, you’re likely looking at a counterfeit.
Color-Changing Magic: The Copper-to-Green Transformation
Optical Variable Ink Technology
Look at the large “100” in the lower right corner of the bill. At first glance, it appears copper-colored, but here’s where the magic happens – tilt the bill, and watch it change to bright green. This color-shifting ink uses specialized metallic flakes that reflect different wavelengths of light depending on your viewing angle.
But that’s not all. Notice the copper-colored inkwell on the front of the bill, which contains the Liberty Bell. When you tilt the bill, the bell also shifts from copper to green, and it appears to move within the inkwell, creating a subtle 3D effect.
This technology is virtually impossible to replicate with standard printing methods, making it one of the most reliable ways to verify authenticity.
Hidden in Plain Sight: Watermarks and Security Threads
The Benjamin Franklin Watermark
Hold your $100 bill up to the light, and look at the blank space to the right of Benjamin Franklin’s portrait. You should see a faint image of Franklin himself appearing in the paper. This watermark is visible from both sides of the bill and is created by varying the thickness of the paper fibers during manufacturing.
Unlike printed features, watermarks are embedded directly into the paper structure. They can’t be added later through printing or copying, making them an excellent security feature. If you don’t see this watermark when holding the bill to light, be suspicious.
Security Thread Detection
Still holding the bill up to light, look for a thin vertical thread to the left of Franklin’s portrait. This embedded security thread contains microprinting that alternates between “USA” and “100” along its length. Under ultraviolet light, this thread glows pink, providing an additional verification method.
The security thread runs from top to bottom and is completely embedded in the paper – not printed on the surface. This makes it extremely difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.
Feel the Difference: Tactile Security Features
Raised Printing Technology
One of the oldest but most effective security features is something you can literally feel. Run your finger across Benjamin Franklin’s portrait, and you’ll notice the ink has a slightly raised, textured feel – almost like fine sandpaper.
This raised printing, called intaglio printing, is created by pressing paper against engraved plates under tremendous pressure. The process pulls ink from recessed areas onto the paper, creating this distinctive texture. Regular printing methods can’t achieve this effect, making it a reliable way to verify authenticity.
The raised printing appears on several parts of the bill, including Franklin’s portrait, the Federal Reserve seal, and various numerals throughout the design.
Microscopic Details: The Art of Microprinting
Tiny Text with Big Security Impact
Get out a magnifying glass for this one – the $100 bill contains incredibly small text that’s invisible to the naked eye but clearly readable under magnification. Look for “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” printed on Franklin’s collar, just below his neck scarf.
You’ll also find “USA 100” around the blank space containing the watermark and “ONE HUNDRED USA” along the golden quill near Franklin’s shoulder. These tiny details require specialized printing equipment and are nearly impossible to reproduce accurately in counterfeit bills.
Physical Characteristics Matter
Paper Quality and Dimensions
Genuine U.S. currency isn’t printed on regular paper – it’s made from a special blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen, with red and blue security fibers scattered throughout. This gives authentic bills a distinctive feel that’s different from regular paper.
All $100 bills measure exactly 2.61 inches wide by 6.14 inches long and are 0.0043 inches thick. Each bill weighs precisely one gram. While these measurements might seem trivial, experienced cash handlers often notice when bills feel wrong or have incorrect dimensions.
What to Do If You Suspect a Fake
If you’re examining a $100 bill and notice any of these red flags, don’t accept it:
- The blue ribbon doesn’t move or change when tilted
- The color-shifting ink doesn’t change from copper to green
- No watermark appears when held to light
- The bill feels too smooth or too rough
- Microprinting is blurry or missing
- Colors look washed out or incorrect
If you accidentally receive a counterfeit bill, don’t try to spend it. Instead, contact your local police or the U.S. Secret Service, which handles currency crimes.
The Bottom Line: Trust But Verify
Learning to identify these security features isn’t just about protecting yourself from financial loss – it’s about maintaining confidence in our currency system. The next time someone hands you a $100 bill, take a moment to appreciate the incredible technology and craftsmanship that goes into making it secure.
Remember, counterfeiters are constantly trying to improve their methods, but they’re always playing catch-up to the legitimate security features. By knowing what to look for, you’re helping to keep fake money out of circulation and protecting yourself and others from fraud.
The 2013 $100 bill represents some of the most advanced security printing in the world. From the mesmerizing 3D ribbon to the color-changing inks and hidden watermarks, every feature serves a purpose in the ongoing battle against counterfeiting. Take a few seconds to check these features – your wallet will thank you.