The $100 bill, featuring the iconic image of Benjamin Franklin, is the highest denomination currently in circulation in the United States. Its popularity and widespread use make it a prime target for counterfeiters. Here's how you can determine if a $100 bill is genuine or fake.
The Significance of the $100 Bill in Circulation
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Federal Reserve issued over 1.3 million $100 bills in 2023, surpassing two million in 2022. This makes it the most issued bill by the Central Bank and one of the most frequently used in everyday transactions. It is estimated that approximately 11.5 billion $100 bills are currently in circulation, based on data from loan company TitleMax. This high volume of daily use also makes it one of the most counterfeited bills in the U.S.
Security Features to Verify Authenticity
To protect against counterfeit bills, the Federal Reserve has incorporated multiple security features into the $100 bill. Here are the key features to check:
Watermark: Hold the bill up to the light, and you should see a transparent image of Benjamin Franklin as a watermark.
Security Thread: The bill includes the inscription "USA" visible when held up to the light.
Color-Shifting Numbers: In the lower right corner, the number 100 changes color from copper to green when you tilt the bill.
Bell in the Inkwell: When you tilt the bill, the bell in the inkwell on the front design should appear to vanish and reappear.
3D Security Ribbon: This blue ribbon on the front of the bill displays images of bells and the number one hundred that seem to move as you tilt the bill. Importantly, this ribbon is woven into the paper, not printed on it.
Microprinting: Tiny details around the bill, like the text "The United States of America," are visible under magnification.
Raised Printing: The bill has a distinctive texture due to raised printing in certain areas of the design.
Protecting Against Counterfeits
Checking these features is crucial to detecting fake bills and safeguarding your finances. If you have doubts about a bill's authenticity, consult a bank or relevant authority for a thorough evaluation. These security measures make the $100 bill one of the most technologically advanced, complicating counterfeiting efforts and ensuring reliability in the market. However, public awareness and vigilance are vital to maintaining its integrity in daily circulation.
Recently, the Cleburne police in Texas warned that "counterfeit currency season is in full swing." According to the police department, counterfeit bills have been discovered in local retail stores and restaurants. This year, there is a significant concern about an increase in so-called "washed" bills.
Understanding "Washed" Bills
A "washed" bill is an authentic piece of U.S. currency that has had its original markings removed to be reprinted with a higher denomination. "For example, a criminal might ‘wash’ a $5 bill and reprint it as a $100," explained the police department in a statement. The unique aspect of this type of counterfeit is that the bill often passes the "pen test," a special marker used to verify the paper's authenticity, since the material is genuine. For this reason, officials advise against relying solely on this test, suggesting the use of a blacklight as well, although it is not foolproof either.
Frequently Asked Questions About Detecting Counterfeit $100 Bills