The United States $100 bill is not only a symbol of economic stability but also a testament to the ongoing battle against counterfeit currency. As technology advances, so do the methods employed by counterfeiters, necessitating continual updates to banknote security features.
When was the new $100 bill issued?
The new version of the $100 bill was issued on October 8th, 2013, by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. This version of the $100 note includes a series of advanced security features designed to prevent counterfeiting and enhance the security of the currency.
Why was a new $100 bill issued?
The Federal Reserve issued the new $100 bill to incorporate advanced security features designed to combat counterfeiting, as well as to update its design to include symbols of American history and democracy. These changes are part of an ongoing effort to protect the integrity of U.S. currency and to ensure that it remains a reliable and secure medium of exchange.
To that end, the new $100 bill includes several new security features. These include:
1. Blue 3D Security Ribbon: This is a blue ribbon with 3D images embedded in the center of the note, featuring bells and the numeral 100 that shift as you move the bill.
2. Portrait Watermark: Holding the bill up to light reveals an image of Benjamin Franklin on the right side.
3. Color-Shifting Ink: Special ink is used on the lower right corner of the number 100 which changes color from copper to green when the bill is tilted.
4. Security Thread: In addition to the 3D security ribbon, there is a pink microprinted security thread embedded vertically in the paper running from top to bottom.
5. Microprinting: Extremely small text is printed around Benjamin Franklin’s collar and other areas, visible only with a magnifying glass.
6. Raised Printing: The intaglio printing technique adds texture to the bill, notably on Benjamin Franklin’s portrait, the Declaration of Independence text, and the numeral 100.
7. Gold 100 Number: A large gold numeral 100 is printed on the back lower right corner, to help those with visual impairments distinguish the denomination.
8. Enhanced Engravings and Design: The back of the bill features a portion of the manuscript of the Declaration of Independence, and additional elements of the U.S. flag are incorporated into the front design.
9. Red and Blue Fibers: The paper contains tiny red and blue fibers interspersed throughout, which are not printed on but are incorporated into the paper during its creation.
Combined, these security features significantly enhance the $100 bill’s resistance to counterfeiting and make it easier for the public to verify authenticity.
What are the new design elements of the $100 bill?
Blue 3D Security Ribbon: On the front of the bill, there is a broad blue ribbon embedded with millions of tiny lenses that create a moving effect of the pattern when the bill is tilted.
Bell in the Inkwell Color Shift: In the lower right corner of the $100 bill, there is an image of a bell inside an inkwell that changes color from copper to green when viewed from different angles due to color-shifting ink effects.
Watermark: Alongside, there is a clearer watermark of Benjamin Franklin, which is visible without the need for backlighting—it can be seen by holding the bill up to light or placing it on a white surface.
Security Thread: In addition to the 3D security ribbon, there is a vertical pink security thread embedded to the left of the portrait, printed with the text “USA” and the numeral “100,” easily seen when held up to the light.
Printing Quality: The printing techniques have been enhanced to portray finer details like the quill and script from the Constitution around Franklin’s portrait, providing intricate detail.
Additional Features: There are other changes on the bill, such as the golden “100” numeral that sparkles when tilted and the gold inkwell with a bell design on the front side of the note.
How do we recognize the authenticity of the new $100 bill?
You can do so through：
1. Touch and Feel
2. Tilt Check
3. Light Test
4. Magnifying Glass Check
5. Ultraviolet Light Test
etc.
However, the most efficient and accurate method remains using a money counter machine.
Such as MUNBYN IMC01, can verify up to 1200 bills per minute at the fastest speed and has 11 counterfeit detection methods to ensure your bills’ authenticity. Unlike a common mixed denomination money counter, the IMC01 money counting machine with 2 contact image sensors detects and reads both sides of every counted bill like human eyes. The accuracy of value counting is 3 times that of 1 CIS machine, no matter whether a banknote is brand new, worn, slightly ripped, or damaged.
What is the main way that a money counter identifies counterfeit 100-dollar bills?
Ultraviolet (UV) Detection: Genuine banknote paper usually contains special markings or ink that respond to ultraviolet light. Currency detectors use a UV light source to illuminate the notes and check for the presence of these markings.
Magnetic Detection: Many currencies are printed with magnetic ink, and currency detectors are equipped with magnetic sensors that can identify this ink, thus distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit bills.
Infrared (IR) Ink Detection: Some currencies employ inks that have different reactions to infrared light. Currency detectors scan the notes with infrared light to identify specific infrared patterns.
Watermark Detection: Genuine banknotes typically have watermarks that are only visible under certain lighting conditions. Currency detectors use light projection to detect the presence of watermarks.
Can old 100-dollar bills still be used?
Yes, old 100-dollar bills can still be used, and they remain legal tender. No matter how long ago they were issued, as long as the bill is authentic and has not been recalled or declared void, it can be used for all transactions. The Federal Reserve System does not invalidate old currency, which means that even as new versions of bills are introduced over time, the old ones do not lose their validity. However, due to concerns about counterfeits and ease of recognition, some individual merchants might prefer to accept newer bills. Banks and other financial institutions collect old currency and return it to the Federal Reserve Bank, gradually replacing it with new bills, but this does not affect the legality and value of the old bills. The important thing to remember is that if you hold any old version of US dollar bills, including the 100-dollar bill, you can still use them just like new bills for shopping, payments, and other legal tender purposes.