How to Tell if a $100 Bill Is Real

Counterfeit currency poses a significant threat to financial stability, impacting businesses and individuals alike. Understanding the characteristics of authentic $100 bills helps protect against financial loss and the circulation of fake money.

Examining the Security Features

Authentic $100 bills incorporate several security features designed to prevent counterfeiting, many of which are easily verifiable without specialized equipment. One such feature is the watermark, a faint image of Benjamin Franklin visible in the blank space to the right of the portrait. This watermark appears when the bill is held up to a light source, looking identical to the portrait on the bill.

Another important security element is the embedded security thread, which runs vertically through the paper to the left of the portrait. This thread is woven into the bill’s fabric. When held to light, the thread reveals the letters “USA” alternating with the number “100” continuously along its length, and it glows pink under ultraviolet light.

The bill also features color-shifting ink, prominently displayed on the large “100” in the lower right corner on the front, and on the bell inside the inkwell. The color of these elements changes from copper to green when the bill is tilted, providing a clear visual cue of authenticity.

Tactile features provide a distinct feel. Genuine currency has raised printing, which can be felt by running a finger over Benjamin Franklin’s portrait or the shoulders on the left side of the bill. This slightly rough texture is a result of the intaglio printing process used for authentic currency.

Microprinting, which consists of tiny, legible text, is another security measure found on $100 bills. This minute text can be located in various places, such as inside Franklin’s collar, along the border of the portrait, or within the security thread itself. While a magnifying glass may be needed to read the microprinting, its presence and clarity are indicators of a genuine bill.

Newer series of $100 bills include a blue 3-D security ribbon woven into the paper on the front. This ribbon features images of bells and “100s” that move and change as the bill is tilted. The movement of these elements is a dynamic security feature that is particularly challenging for counterfeiters to reproduce.

Each bill also has a unique serial number, which is printed twice on the front of the bill. The color of these serial numbers should precisely match the color of the Federal Reserve seal, located to the left of Benjamin Franklin’s portrait. While older series $100 bills may not possess all the newer features like the 3-D security ribbon, they still incorporate fundamental security elements such as watermarks, color-shifting ink, and security threads, which remain reliable indicators of authenticity.

Assessing the Paper and Printing

Genuine United States currency is printed on a unique paper that feels distinctly different from ordinary paper. This specialized paper is a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen, giving it a crisp, durable, and slightly textured feel unlike anything commercially available. The paper’s resilience allows it to withstand significant wear and tear without easily tearing or losing its integrity.

Embedded throughout the paper are tiny red and blue security fibers, which are integrated into the material during the manufacturing process. These fibers are not merely printed on the surface but are an inherent part of the paper itself. Counterfeit bills often attempt to replicate these fibers by printing them on the surface, which can be detected upon close inspection.

The print quality on genuine $100 bills is exceptionally sharp and clear, a hallmark of the sophisticated printing techniques used. All lines, text, and images are distinct, without any blurriness, smudges, or breaks. Fine details in the portraits, borders, and other intricate designs are precisely rendered.

Actions for Suspected Counterfeits

If a $100 bill is suspected of being counterfeit, it is important to handle the situation carefully to preserve potential evidence and prevent further circulation. The first step is to avoid returning the suspected counterfeit bill to the person who passed it. Doing so could allow them to circulate other fake currency and may compromise investigations.

Handle the bill as little as possible, placing it into an envelope or plastic bag to preserve evidence. Promptly noting details about the individual who passed the bill, such as their physical description, any companions, vehicle information, or the exact time and location of the transaction, can be very helpful for law enforcement.

The next step is to contact authorities, specifically local police or the nearest field office of the U.S. Secret Service. These agencies investigate counterfeit currency and verify authenticity. Providing them with all observed details about the transaction and the suspected individual can aid their investigation significantly.

When law enforcement arrives, they will take possession of the suspected counterfeit bill. Individuals who unknowingly receive and then surrender a counterfeit bill to authorities are not reimbursed for its face value. This policy underscores the importance of verifying currency at the point of transaction to avoid financial loss.