Counterfeit money is a serious concern for economies worldwide, and the U.S. $100 bill is one of the most commonly targeted denominations due to its high value and widespread use. It is estimated that between $70 million and $200 million in fake U.S. currency is circulating at any given moment. To protect yourself and your business from financial loss, it’s important to understand the security features of the genuine $100 note.
Key Security Features of the $100 Bill
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has incorporated several sophisticated security features into the design of the $100 bill to deter counterfeiting. By learning how to recognize these features, you can easily authenticate your notes and avoid falling victim to counterfeit money.
1. 3-D Security Ribbon
One of the most prominent features is the blue security ribbon woven into the paper on the front of the bill. When you tilt the note, you’ll see the image of bells change into the number “100” as they move. The bells and 100s shift direction when tilted side to side, adding a dynamic, interactive element to the bill’s design.
2. Bell in the Inkwell
Another key security feature is the color-shifting bell inside a copper-colored inkwell. When you tilt the bill, the bell appears to change color, shifting from copper to green. This effect makes the bell seem to “disappear” and “reappear,” providing a visual cue to the authenticity of the note.
3. Watermark
To check for the watermark, hold the $100 bill up to a light source. On the right side of Benjamin Franklin’s portrait, you should see a faint image of his face. This watermark is visible from both sides of the bill, making it an easily accessible way to verify authenticity.
4. Security Thread
An embedded security thread runs vertically through the bill to the left of Franklin’s portrait. When you hold the bill to the light, the thread becomes visible, showing the letters “USA” and the number “100” in an alternating pattern. This feature is visible on both sides of the note.
5. Color-Shifting Ink
Tilt the bill to observe the color-shifting numeral “100” located in the lower-right corner. This number changes from copper to green, adding another layer of verification to the design.
6. Microprinting
For a closer inspection, use a magnifying glass to look for tiny text printed in specific locations on the bill. For example, the lower-left corner contains the microprinted text “USA 100,” while around the portrait watermark, you may find the words “USA THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
7. Raised Printing
When you run your finger along the surface of the bill, you’ll notice a raised texture, particularly around the large numbers and Benjamin Franklin’s portrait. Genuine bills have a distinct, tactile feel due to this raised printing.
How to Authenticate a $100 Bill
To confirm that a $100 bill is real, follow these simple steps:
- Check the 3-D Security Ribbon: Tilt the bill back and forth to observe the shifting bells and 100s. The ribbon should be woven into the paper, not just printed on it.
- Inspect the Bell in the Inkwell: Tilt the bill to watch the copper bell change color to green, giving it a dynamic, shifting appearance.
- Look for the Watermark: Hold the bill up to the light and search for the faint image of Benjamin Franklin’s portrait on the right side.
- Verify the Security Thread: Hold the note to the light to confirm the embedded security thread running vertically with alternating USA and 100 text.
- Observe the Color-Shifting Ink: Tilt the note to see the numeral “100” in the bottom-right corner change from copper to green.
- Check for Microprinting: With a magnifying glass, look for the tiny text around the numbers and watermark.
- Feel the Raised Printing: Rub your finger along the bill’s surface and check for the raised texture, a hallmark of genuine currency.
Common Counterfeiting Techniques
Counterfeiters often resort to various methods to create fake bills. One of the most common techniques is called “washing,” where lower denomination bills are chemically treated to remove the original ink, and then reprinted with a higher denomination value. Although this technique may preserve the original paper, these bills can usually be detected by mismatched security features, such as incorrect watermarks or security threads that do not correspond to the higher denomination.
Legal Consequences and Reporting Counterfeit Money
Using or possessing counterfeit money is a federal offense in the United States, with severe penalties, including hefty fines and potential prison time. If you suspect that you have received a counterfeit bill, it’s important to act quickly:
- Do not attempt to pass the fake bill to others, as this is illegal.
- Place the suspected counterfeit note in a protective covering to prevent any further handling.
- Report the counterfeit bill to local law enforcement or the U.S. Secret Service. Provide details on where and when you received the bill, as well as any other relevant information.
Conclusion
Being knowledgeable about the security features of the $100 bill is an effective way to protect yourself from counterfeit currency. Regularly inspecting your bills and understanding how to verify authenticity can help you avoid the risks of financial loss and legal trouble associated with fake money. By familiarizing yourself with the unique features of the $100 bill, you contribute to the broader effort to combat counterfeiting and safeguard the integrity of the U.S. currency system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I receive a counterfeit $100 bill? If you receive a counterfeit bill, report it immediately to law enforcement or the U.S. Secret Service. Handle the bill minimally and place it in a protective covering to preserve evidence.
How can I verify a $100 bill without professional tools? You can verify a $100 bill by inspecting its security features, such as the 3-D security ribbon, watermark, color-shifting ink, and raised printing. A simple UV light may also reveal the embedded security thread.
Are older $100 bills easier to counterfeit? Yes, older $100 bills are more vulnerable to counterfeiting as they lack the advanced security features found in newer designs.
What are the penalties for knowingly using counterfeit money? Knowingly using or passing counterfeit currency is a federal crime, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense.
Can counterfeit detection pens identify fake $100 bills? Counterfeit detection pens are not foolproof. While they can identify fake paper made from common materials, they may fail to detect bills that have been printed on bleached genuine currency paper.
