How to Know if a 100 Dollar Bill is Fake
Gain practical knowledge to distinguish real $100 bills from fakes using key security features and know how to proceed safely.
This article aims to provide individuals with the knowledge necessary to discern genuine $100 bills from their counterfeit counterparts. By familiarizing oneself with these distinct features, one can confidently verify the legitimacy of a $100 bill during transactions.
Key Security Features
The 3-D Security Ribbon is a blue ribbon woven into the paper, not printed. It contains images of bells and the number “100” that appear to move when the bill is tilted. Tilting the bill back and forth causes the bells and 100s to shift side-to-side, while tilting it side-to-side makes them move up and down, indicating authenticity.
Color-shifting ink is another visual cue. The bell in the copper inkwell on the front of the bill, located to the left of the serial number, changes color from copper to green when the bill is tilted. Similarly, the large numeral “100” in the lower right corner on the back of the bill also exhibits this color-shifting property.
Holding the bill up to a light source reveals the watermark. A faint, ghostly image of Benjamin Franklin appears in the blank space to the right of his portrait. This watermark is an integral part of the paper itself and is visible from both sides of the bill.
A security thread runs vertically to the left of Benjamin Franklin’s portrait. When held to light, this embedded thread displays the letters “USA” and the number “100” in an alternating pattern, visible from both sides of the note. Under ultraviolet (UV) light, this thread should glow pink.
Genuine U.S. currency possesses a distinct texture due to the intaglio printing process. Running a finger over Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder on the left side of the note or the Federal Reserve System seal should reveal a slightly rough, raised feel. This raised printing is a characteristic that counterfeiters often struggle to replicate accurately.
Microprinting, which consists of extremely tiny, legible text, is another security element. On the $100 bill, microprinting can be found inside the collar of Franklin’s jacket, along the border of the portrait, and on the golden quill. While appearing as a blurred line to the naked eye, this text should be sharp and clear when viewed under magnification.
The paper used for U.S. currency is a unique blend of 75 percent cotton and 25 percent linen. This composition includes tiny red and blue synthetic fibers embedded throughout the paper, not printed on the surface.
Examine the serial numbers located in two distinct places on the front of the bill: the upper left and lower right corners. These numbers should be sharp, evenly spaced, and match each other precisely. Any discrepancies in spacing, alignment, or clarity of the serial numbers can indicate a counterfeit bill.
What to Do With a Suspected Counterfeit
If a $100 bill is suspected of being counterfeit, it is important not to re-circulate it. Passing on a known counterfeit bill, even unknowingly, can have legal consequences. The first step is to contact your local police department or the U.S. Secret Service.
When reporting, provide as many details as possible about how the bill was received, including the date, time, and location. If applicable, note a description of the person who passed the bill and any vehicle information. It is advisable to handle the suspected counterfeit bill as little as possible to preserve any potential evidence, such as fingerprints.
Place the bill in an envelope or other protective covering to prevent further damage or contamination. Surrender the suspected counterfeit currency only to a law enforcement officer or a U.S. Secret Service agent. They will provide instructions for its collection and investigation.