Counterfeit money has been a longstanding issue in the United States, especially with high-value bills like the $100 note. As one of the most circulated banknotes, the $100 bill, also known as the “Benjamin,” is frequently targeted by counterfeiters. However, the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve have designed the bill with several advanced security features to help detect fakes. Understanding these features can make it easier for businesses, consumers, and financial institutions to protect themselves against counterfeit currency.
The Risk of Counterfeit $100 Bills
This Article Includes
With over 11.5 billion $100 bills circulating in the United States, it’s no surprise that counterfeiting remains a persistent problem. To combat this threat, the U.S. Treasury has incorporated numerous security measures in the design of the $100 bill, making it one of the most sophisticated and difficult-to-counterfeit bills in the world. By learning to spot these features, anyone can protect themselves from falling victim to fake currency.
Key Security Features of the $100 Bill
The current $100 bill design includes a range of features that make counterfeiting challenging. These are some of the most prominent:
1. Watermark of Benjamin Franklin
A key feature of the $100 bill is the watermark of Benjamin Franklin, which is visible when the bill is held up to the light. This watermark appears on the right side of the bill and is visible from both sides. Unlike traditional printing methods, the watermark is impossible to replicate using standard techniques, making it a highly effective security measure.
2. 3D Security Ribbon
The $100 bill also features a unique 3D security ribbon, woven into the paper. This vertical ribbon contains shifting images of bells and the number “100.” As you tilt the bill back and forth, the images change in appearance. Unlike traditional printing, the security ribbon is not printed on the surface but woven into the paper, making it difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce.
3. Color-Shifting Ink
Another feature that adds to the authenticity of the $100 bill is the color-shifting ink used in the numeral “100” located in the lower right corner. When tilted, the number changes color from copper to green. This effect is achieved through a special ink process, which is difficult to duplicate with low-quality printing methods.
4. Security Thread
Embedded in the paper of the $100 bill is a vertical security thread that runs to the left of Franklin’s portrait. When exposed to UV light, the thread glows pink and displays the repeated text “USA 100.” This thread is another important feature that enhances the security of the bill.
5. Bell in the Inkwell
Located to the right of Franklin’s portrait, a copper-colored inkwell contains an image of a bell. This bell appears and disappears as you tilt the bill, and its color changes accordingly. This subtle detail is an additional layer of security that helps distinguish real bills from counterfeit ones.
6. Microprinting
If you closely examine the bill, you will notice tiny text around Franklin’s collar and along the edges of the bill. These microprints are incredibly difficult to reproduce, even with advanced printing technology. Some examples of microprinting include the words “USA” and “The United States of America,” which are printed along the borders of the bill.
7. Raised Printing
Genuine $100 bills have raised printing, which gives the bill a distinctive texture that can be felt by touch. This raised ink is most noticeable on elements like Franklin’s portrait and the number “100.” Counterfeit bills, on the other hand, typically feel smooth, as they lack this tactile feature.
Tips for Quickly Identifying Fake $100 Bills
While it’s best to examine each security feature closely, there are a few simple steps you can take to quickly verify the authenticity of a $100 bill:
1. Feel the Texture
Run your fingers over the bill. The raised printing should be easily felt due to the special intaglio printing process used to produce real currency. This is one of the simplest and quickest ways to detect a counterfeit.
2. Hold the Bill Up to the Light
Hold the $100 bill up to a light source. You should see the watermark and the embedded security thread, both of which should be distinct and visible from both sides of the bill.
3. Tilt the Bill to Observe Changing Features
Tilt the bill and watch the color-shifting ink on the “100” change from copper to green. You should also see the bell in the inkwell appear and disappear as you tilt the bill, adding another layer of verification.
How to Spot the Differences Between Real and Fake $100 Bills
Counterfeit $100 bills often have telltale signs that set them apart from genuine ones. Here are some of the most common indicators:
1. Ink Smudging or Blurring
Fake bills often feature blurry text or smudged ink, especially in areas with microprinting. The quality of the print is typically much lower than that of a genuine bill.
2. Lack of Raised Printing
A counterfeit bill will feel smooth to the touch, lacking the raised printing that real currency has. This is one of the most obvious differences.
3. Incorrect Colors
If the color-shifting ink on the “100” or the security ribbon appears off or does not change color properly, it could be a sign of a counterfeit. Genuine security features are vibrant and change colors as expected.
4. UV Light Check
Fake bills often fail the UV light test. The embedded security thread in a genuine $100 bill will glow pink under UV light, but counterfeit bills often lack this feature or display an incorrect color.
Using Tools to Detect Counterfeit Money
While manual checks are effective, specialized tools can further help in identifying counterfeit currency:
1. UV Light Detectors
These tools are commonly used to check if the embedded security thread glows under UV light, which is a surefire way to detect a fake bill.
2. Magnifying Glass
A magnifying glass can be useful for closely examining the fine details, such as the microprinting on the bill, which is hard to see with the naked eye.
3. Counterfeit Detection Pens
These pens are designed to react with starch in low-quality paper, which is often used by counterfeiters. A dark mark on the bill may indicate that it is fake.
What to Do If You Receive a Counterfeit Bill
If you believe you’ve received a counterfeit bill, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Do Not Return It: If you suspect a bill is fake, do not return it to the person who gave it to you. Politely refuse the bill and explain your concerns.
- Notify Authorities: Contact local law enforcement or the U.S. Secret Service, which handles counterfeit money investigations.
- Get a Receipt: If you hand over the bill to authorities, ensure that you receive a receipt for the transaction.
Conclusion
The $100 bill, with its advanced security features, is one of the most commonly circulated yet sophisticated banknotes in the United States. By understanding the key features like the watermark, 3D security ribbon, color-shifting ink, and microprinting, you can easily identify a genuine bill from a fake one. Simple tests, such as feeling the texture, holding the bill up to the light, and tilting it to observe the changing features, can help prevent counterfeit money from circulating further. With vigilance and the right tools, anyone can protect themselves from falling victim to counterfeit currency.