Counterfeit currency has always been a big worry in the United States, especially for high-value denominations such as the $100 bill, also known as the Benjamin. The $100 bill is one of the most extensively used currencies in the United States, with over 11.5 billion in circulation in recent years.
Given its high value and widespread use, it has become a major target for counterfeiters looking to take advantage of unsuspecting businesses and individuals. To address this issue, the United States Treasury and Federal Reserve have established a number of advanced security features, making the $100 bill one of the most complex currencies in use.
The Risk of Counterfeit $100 Bills
With approximately 11.5 billion $100 notes in circulation, counterfeiting is a persistent problem. To address this issue, the Federal Reserve and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing have added enhanced security mechanisms. Understanding these characteristics can help individuals, organizations, and financial institutions remain watchful.
Let’s look at how to quickly identify a counterfeit $100 bill utilizing the detailed information provided by the Federal Reserve.
Security Features of the $100 Bill
Detecting a counterfeit $100 bill necessitates a thorough evaluation of its distinctive security features. The current design of the $100 note incorporates various innovative features that make counterfeiting more difficult.
Here are the key features you should look out for:
When the bill is exposed to light, a portrait watermark of Benjamin Franklin shows on the right side. The watermark is visible on both sides and cannot be recreated using typical printing methods.
When the front side is tilted, the number “100” in the lower right corner turns from copper to green. Because it requires a sophisticated ink process, this color-shifting effect makes counterfeiting much more difficult.
A vertical security thread placed in the paper runs to the left of Franklin’s image. This thread glows pink under UV light and has the words “USA 100” printed repeatedly along its length.
A copper-colored inkwell to the right of Franklin’s face houses a bell that appears and vanishes when you tilt the bill. This bell also changes colors in sync with the tilt, providing a discreet security feature.
Minute inscriptions can be found along the corners of Franklin’s collar and along the bill borders; these tiny letters are difficult to duplicate without sophisticated printing technology. Examples include “USA” and “The United States of America” printed around the edges.
Genuine $100 notes feature roughness owing to raised printing on some sections. The raised print provides the bill a distinct sensation when touched, which counterfeiters frequently struggle to imitate.
Tips for Quickly Detecting Fake $100 Bills
While examining each feature carefully is the best way to verify authenticity, there are a few tips for quickly identifying counterfeit bills during everyday transactions:
- Feel the Texture – Raised printing can be felt when running your fingers over the bill. The texture of a real bill is distinct due to intaglio printing, a method involving raised ink that cannot easily be mimicked.
- Hold the Bill to the Light – By holding the bill to the light, you should be able to see the watermark and security thread—both should be present and distinct.
- Tilt to Observe Changing Features – Tilt the bill to see the colour-shifting ink on the “100” and watch the bell in the inkwell appear and disappear.