$100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (2024)

Table of Contents
Security Thread 3-D Security Ribbon Bell in the Inkwell Watermark Color-Shifting Ink Federal Reserve System Seal Microprinting Raised Printing Paper Portrait and Vignette Symbols of Freedom Gold 100 Treasury Seal Serial Numbers Series Year Security Thread 3-D Security Ribbon Bell in the Inkwell Watermark Color-Shifting Ink Security Thread Watermark Color-Shifting Ink Federal Reserve System Seal Microprinting Raised Printing Paper Portrait and Vignette Treasury Seal Serial Numbers Series Year Security Thread Watermark Color-Shifting Ink Security Thread Microprinting Federal Reserve Bank Seal Treasury Seal Raised Printing Paper Portrait and Vignette Serial Numbers Series Year Security Thread Microprinting Federal Reserve Bank Seal Raised Printing Paper Portrait and Vignette Treasury Seal Serial Numbers Federal Reserve Bank Seal Raised Printing Paper Portrait and Vignette Treasury Seal Serial Numbers 3D Security Ribbon Color-Shifting Ink Portrait Watermark Security Thread Raised Printing Microprinting Downloads Carnival Thrills and Dollar Bills Cashier Toolkit Teller Toolkit Dollars in Detail guide Play Money Coloring Sheets Decoding Dollars: the $100 Brochure & Poster Quick Reference Guide Multinote Booklet Brochure and Poster for $100 Note Multinote Poster Know Your Money $100 Note (2013-Present) $100 Note (1996-2013) $100 Note (1990-1996) $100 Note (1914-1990) History Featured Decoding Dollars: The $100 brochure $100 Note Life Cycle Media Introducing the Cash Assist iOS app Introducing the Cashier Toolkit Cash Codebreakers: New Educational Game for Middle School Students Introducing the Teller Toolkit New Digital Resources Available on uscurrency.gov Introduce Students to Currency with a New Children’s Book U.S. Secret Service Launches Counterfeit Prevention Campaign ahead of Holiday Shopping Season Symbols in the Seal Camera Ready Currency Banknote Bonanza The Magic Behind the ATM Bank on Benjamin Once More, with Feeling You’d Be Surprised: The Journey How Does U.S. Currency Get Into Circulation? U.S. Currency Education Program Launches USCURRENCY.GOV as New Central Hub for Education and Training Resources Does the Fed Print Money? How to Authenticate U.S. Currency "The Basics" on U.S. Currency How Can I Tell if the Redesigned $100 Note is Genuine? How does the Federal Reserve Board determine how much money to order? What should I do if I suspect that I've received a counterfeit note? Federal Reserve Board Issues Redesigned $100 Note Federal Reserve Announces Day of Issue of Redesigned $100 Note Federal Reserve Announces Delay in the Issue Date of Redesigned $100 Note U.S. Government Video Explains the Art of Banknote Design Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Video Shows Businesses and Consumers How to Protect Against Counterfeit Currency U.S. Government Puts Public Education for New $100 Note into High Gear U.S. Government Unveils New Design for the $100 Note U.S. Government to Unveil New $100 Note on April 21
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (1)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (2)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (3)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (4)

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (5)

    3-D Security Ribbon

    Tilt the note back and forth while focusing on the blue ribbon. You will see the bells change to 100s as they move. When you tilt the note back and forth, the bells and 100s move side to side. If you tilt it side to side, they move up and down. The ribbon is woven into the paper, not printed on it.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (6)

    Bell in the Inkwell

    Tilt the note to see the color-shifting bell in the copper inkwell change from copper to green, an effect which makes the bell seem to appear and disappear within the inkwell.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (7)

    Watermark

    Hold the note to light and look for a faint image of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the portrait. The image is visible from both sides of the note.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (8)

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Tilt the note to see the numeral 100 in the lower right corner of the front of the note shift from copper to green.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (9)

      Federal Reserve System Seal

      A black seal to the left of the portrait represents the entire Federal Reserve System. A letter and number beneath the left serial number identifies the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (10)

      Microprinting

      Look carefully (magnification may be necessary) to see the small printed textTHE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAon Benjamin Franklin’s jacket collar,USA 100around the blank space containing the portrait watermark,ONE HUNDRED USAalong the golden quill, and small 100s in the note borders.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (11)

      Raised Printing

      Move your finger up and down Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder on the left side of the note. It should feel rough to the touch, a result of the enhanced intaglio printing process used to create the image. Traditional raised printing can be felt throughout the $100 note, and gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (12)

      Paper

      Federal Reserve note paper isone-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (13)

      Portrait and Vignette

      The $100 note features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the front of the note and a vignette of Independence Hall on the back of the note.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (14)

      Symbols of Freedom

      Phrases from the Declaration of Independence and the quill the Founding Fathers used to sign the historic document are found to the right of the portrait.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (15)

      Gold 100

      A large gold numeral 100 on the back of the note helps those with visual impairments distinguish the denomination.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (16)

      Treasury Seal

      A green seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (17)

      Serial Numbers

      A unique combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (18)

      Series Year

      The design includes series years 2009 and 2009A.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (19)

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (20)

    3-D Security Ribbon

    Tilt the note back and forth while focusing on the blue ribbon. You will see the bells change to 100s as they move. When you tilt the note back and forth, the bells and 100s move side to side. If you tilt it side to side, they move up and down. The ribbon is woven into the paper, not printed on it.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (21)

    Bell in the Inkwell

    Tilt the note to see the color-shifting bell in the copper inkwell change from copper to green, an effect which makes the bell seem to appear and disappear within the inkwell.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (22)

    Watermark

    Hold the note to light and look for a faint image of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the portrait. The image is visible from both sides of the note.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (23)

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Tilt the note to see the numeral 100 in the lower right corner of the front of the note shift from copper to green.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (24)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (25)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (26)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (27)

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (28)

    Watermark

    Hold the note to light and look for a faint image of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the portrait. The image is visible from both sides of the note.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (29)

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Tilt the note to see the numeral100in the lower right corner of the front of the note shift from green to black.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (30)

      Federal Reserve System Seal

      A black seal to the left of the portrait represents the entire Federal Reserve System. A letter and number beneath the left serial number identifies the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (31)

      Microprinting

      Look carefully (magnification may be necessary) to see the small printed textUSA 100within the numeral in the lower left corner andTHE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAin the line in the left lapel of Franklin’s coat.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (32)

      Raised Printing

      Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (33)

      Paper

      Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (34)

      Portrait and Vignette

      The $100 note features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the front of the note and a vignette of Independence Hall on the back of the note.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (35)

      Treasury Seal

      A green seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (36)

      Serial Numbers

      A unique combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (37)

      Series Year

      The design includes series years 1996, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2003A, 2006, and 2006A.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (38)

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (39)

    Watermark

    Hold the note to light and look for a faint image of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the portrait. The image is visible from both sides of the note.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (40)

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Tilt the note to see the numeral100in the lower right corner of the front of the note shift from green to black.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (41)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (42)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (43)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (44)

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (45)

    Microprinting

    Look carefully (magnification may be necessary) to see the small printed wordsTHE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAalong the outer edge of the portrait’s oval frame.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (46)

      Federal Reserve Bank Seal

      A black seal to the left of the portrait bears the name and corresponding letter of the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (47)

      Treasury Seal

      A green seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (48)

      Raised Printing

      Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (49)

      Paper

      Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (50)

      Portrait and Vignette

      The $100 note features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the front of the note and a vignette of Independence Hall on the back of the note.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (51)

      Serial Numbers

      A unique combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.

    • $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (52)

      Series Year

      The design includes series years 1990 and 1993.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (53)

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (54)

    Microprinting

    Look carefully (magnification may be necessary) to see the small printed wordsTHE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAalong the outer edge of the portrait’s oval frame.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (55)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (56)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (57)
    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (58)

    Federal Reserve Bank Seal

    A black seal to the left of the portrait bears the name of the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (59)

    Raised Printing

    Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (60)

    Paper

    Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (61)

    Portrait and Vignette

    The $100 note features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the front of the note. The vignette on the back of the note changed in 1929 to feature Independence Hall.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (62)

    Treasury Seal

    A seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The design of the seal was changed to incorporatean English inscription and appears on all Federal Reserve notes of the 1969 series year or later.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (63)

    Serial Numbers

    A combination of numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (64)

    Federal Reserve Bank Seal

    A black seal to the left of the portrait bears the name of the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (65)

    Raised Printing

    Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (66)

    Paper

    Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (67)

    Portrait and Vignette

    The $100 note features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the front of the note. The vignette on the back of the note changed in 1929 to feature Independence Hall.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (68)

    Treasury Seal

    A seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The design of the seal was changed to incorporatean English inscription and appears on all Federal Reserve notes of the 1969 series year or later.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (69)

    Serial Numbers

    A combination of numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (70)

    The $100 note features additional security features including a 3-D Security Ribbon and color-shifting Bell in theInkwell.

    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (71)

    Scroll down to view features

    3D Security Ribbon

    Tilt the note back and forth while focusing on the blue ribbon. You will see the bells change to 100s as they move. When you tilt the note back and forth, the bells and 100s move side to side. If you tilt it side to side, they move up and down. The ribbon is woven into the paper, not printed on it.

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Tilt the note to see the Bell in the Inkwell and the numeral 100 in the lower right corner of the front of the note shift from copper to green.

    Portrait Watermark

    Hold the note to light and look for a faint image of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the portrait. The image is visible from both sides of the note.

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    Raised Printing

    Move your finger up and down Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder on the left side of the note. It should feel rough to the touch, a result of the enhanced intaglio printing process used to create the image. Traditional raised printing can be felt throughout the $100 note, and gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    Microprinting

    Look carefully (magnification may be necessary) to see the small printed text THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on Benjamin Franklin’s jacket collar, USA 100 around the blank space containing the portrait watermark, ONE HUNDRED USA along the golden quill, and small 100s in the note borders.

    Downloads

    • Carnival Thrills and Dollar Bills

      An illustrated book about U.S. currency for elementary students.

    • Cashier Toolkit

      A guide to identifying genuine currency for cashiers.

    • Teller Toolkit

      A guide to identifying genuine currency for tellers.

    • Dollars in Detail guide

      Refer to this comprehensive guide for in-depth technical information on U.S. currency.

    • Play Money Coloring Sheets

      These printable coloring sheets of denominations $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, and $100 are intended for children, parents, and teachers.

    • Decoding Dollars: the $100 Brochure & Poster

      This brochure contains information about how to recognize and use security features in the $100 note. It unfolds into a poster that can be displayed in a breakroom or at a point of sale.

    • Quick Reference Guide

      The Quick Reference Guide is a comprehensive resource on the security and design features of U.S. currency. This item unfolds and can be displayed next to a point of sale as an easy-to-use reference.

    • Multinote Booklet

      This 12-page booklet contains detailed information about the security and design features in the redesigned $100 note and those in the current-design $5, $10, $20, and $50 notes.

    • Brochure and Poster for $100 Note

      This multi-purpose material features the security features in the redesigned $100 note. Its unique design unfolds from a brochure to a poster that can be displayed for both employees and consumers.

    • Multinote Poster

      This poster features the security features in the redesigned $100 note and those in the current-design $5, $10, $20, and $50 notes.

    • Know Your Money

      This comprehensive guide includes technical information on the security and design features of the current-design $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes.

    • $100 Note (2013-Present)

      Explore security and design features of the $100 note, issued 2013-present.

    • $100 Note (1996-2013)

      Explore security and design features of the $100 note, issued 1996-2013

    • $100 Note (1990-1996)

      Explore security and design features of the $100 note, issued 1990-1996.

    • $100 Note (1914-1990)

      Explore security and design features of the $100 note, issued 1914-1990.

    History

    1861

    Demand Notes

    In order to finance the Civil War, Congress authorizes the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue non-interest-bearing Demand Notes. These notes earn the nickname “greenbacks” because of their color. All U.S. currency issued since 1861 remains valid and redeemable at full face value.

    1862

    The Foundation of Modern Design

    By 1862, the Demand Notes incorporate fine-line engraving, intricate geometric lathe work patterns, a U.S. Department of the Treasury seal, and engraved signatures to aid in counterfeit deterrence. To this day, U.S. currency continues to add features to deter counterfeiting.

    1862

    United States Notes

    Congress authorizes a new class of currency, known as “United States notes,” or “Legal Tender notes.” These notes are characterized by a red seal and serial number. They continue to circulate until 1971.

    1863

    A National Banking System

    Congress establishes a national banking system and authorizes the U.S. Department of the Treasury to oversee the issuance of National Banknotes. This system sets Federal guidelines for chartering and regulating "national" banks and authorizes those banks to issue national currency secured by the purchase of United States bonds.

    1869

    Centralized Printing of United States Notes

    The Bureau of Engraving and Printing begins engraving and printing the faces and seals of U.S. banknotes. Before this, U.S. banknotes were produced by private banknote companies and then sent to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for sealing, trimming, and cutting.

    1889

    Names Added to Portraits

    Legislation mandates that all banknotes and other securities containing portraits include the name of the individual below the portrait. This is why you see names below the portraits on banknotes to this day.

    1913

    Federal Reserve Act

    The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 establishes the Federal Reserve as the nation’s central bank and provides for a national banking system that is more responsive to the fluctuating financial needs of the country. The Federal Reserve Board issues new currency called Federal Reserve notes.

    1929

    Standardization of Design

    The appearance of U.S. banknotes changes greatly in 1929. In an effort to lower manufacturing costs, all Federal Reserve notes are made about 30 percent smaller—measuring 6.14 x 2.61 inches, rather than 7.375 x 3.125 inches. In addition, standardized designs are instituted for each denomination, decreasing the number of designs in circulation and making it easier for the public to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit notes.

    1971

    United States Notes Discontinued

    Because United States notes no longer served any function not already adequately met by Federal Reserve notes, their issuance was discontinued and, beginning in 1971, no new United States notes were placed into circulation.

    1990

    Security Thread and Microprinting

    A security thread and microprinting are introduced in Federal Reserve notes to deter counterfeiting by copiers and printers. The features first appear in Series 1990 $100 notes. By Series 1993, the features appeared on all denominations except $1 and $2 notes.

    1996

    Currency Redesign

    In the first significant design change since the 1920s, U.S. currency is redesigned to incorporate a series of new counterfeit deterrents. Issuance of the new banknotes begins with the $100 note in 1996, followed by the $50 note in 1997, the $20 note in 1998, and the $10 and $5 notes in 2000.

    2013

    The Redesigned $100 Note

    In its first redesign since 1996, the new-design $100 note features additional security features including a 3-D Security Ribbon and color-shifting Bell in the Inkwell. The new-design $100 note also includes a portrait watermark of Benjamin Franklin that is visible from both sides of the note when held to light.

    $100 Note Life Cycle

    Before a Federal Reserve note enters circulation, it must pass through four critical steps: design, order, production, and issuance.

    • 1.67

      Billion Notes

      2018 FY Print Order

    • $1.25

      Trillion

      2017 Value in Circulation

    • 15

      Years

      Estimated Lifespan

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    $100 Note | U.S. Currency Education Program (2024)
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