The one-hundred-dollar bills, featuring the iconic image of Benjamin Franklin, are currently the highest denomination in circulation in the United States.
Their popularity and wide distribution make them one of the prime targets for counterfeiters.
Learn how to identify whether a hundred-dollar bill is real or counterfeit.
The importance of circulating one-hundred-dollar bills
According to data from the Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing of the United States, in 2023, the Federal Reserve issued over 1.3 million one-hundred-dollar bills, while in 2022, production exceeded two million.
This positions it as the most issued banknote by the Central Bank and one of the most commonly used in daily transactions.
It is currently estimated that there are approximately 11.5 trillion one-hundred-dollar bills in circulation, according to the lending company TitleMax.
This high volume of everyday use also makes it one of the most counterfeited in the United States.
Security features to verify authenticity
To avoid falling into the trap of counterfeit bills, the Federal Reserve has implemented various security measures on one hundred dollar bills.
These are the main features you should review:
Watermark: When viewing the bill against the light, you should see the image of Benjamin Franklin as a transparent watermark.
Security thread: Includes the inscription "USA" visible when the bill is held up to the light.
Color-changing numbers: In the lower right corner of the bill, the number 100 changes from copper to green when tilted slightly.
Bell in the inkpot: When tilting the bill, the bell located within the inkpot on the front design should appear to vanish and reappear.
3D security ribbon: A blue ribbon on the front of the bill displays images of bells and the number one hundred that seem to move when you tilt the bill. Important: this ribbon is not printed, but woven into the paper.
Microimpressions: Tiny details around the bill, such as the text "The United States of America," are visible under a magnifying glass.
Embossed printing: The banknote has a distinctive texture to the touch due to the embossing in certain areas of the design.
Protection against counterfeiting
Reviewing these features is essential for identifying counterfeit bills and protecting your finances. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a bill, consult a banking institution or competent authority for an assessment.
The combination of these security features makes the hundred-dollar bill one of the most technologically advanced, making it difficult to counterfeit and ensuring its reliability in the market.
However, public vigilance and awareness are essential to maintaining its integrity in daily circulation.
In recent days, the police in Cleburne, Texas, warned that "the counterfeiting season is in full swing."
According to the Police Department, counterfeit bills have been found in retail stores and local restaurants. This year, the primary concern revolves around an increase in what are known as "washed" bills.
What is a "washed" bill?
A "washed" bill is an authentic piece of U.S. currency from which the original markings have been removed in order to reprint it with a higher denomination.
"For example, a criminal can ‘wash’ a five-dollar bill and reprint it as a hundred-dollar bill," the Police Department explained in a statement.
The peculiarity of this type of counterfeiting is that the bill often passes the "pen test," a special marker used to verify the authenticity of the paper, since the material is genuine.
For this reason, the agents warn that this test should not be the sole method for detecting forgeries, also suggesting the use of black light, although that is not foolproof either.
Frequently Asked Questions About Detecting Counterfeit One-Hundred-Dollar Bills
What are the security features of the one hundred dollar bills?
One hundred dollar bills include several security features, such as the watermark of Benjamin Franklin, a thread that is visible when held to the light, color-changing numbers, a bell in the inkwell that disappears and reappears, a 3D security ribbon, microprinting, and a raised print. These measures make counterfeiting difficult and ensure the bill's reliability.
What are "washed" bills and why are they difficult to detect?
A "washed" bill is a genuine note from which the original markings have been removed to be reprinted with a higher denomination. These bills often pass the "pen test" since the paper is real, so it is advised not to rely solely on this method to verify authenticity.
What additional measures can be taken to verify the authenticity of a hundred-dollar bill?
In addition to reviewing security features, it is advisable to use a blacklight, and if doubts still remain, to consult a banking institution or the relevant authority. Public vigilance is essential to maintain the integrity of the bills in circulation.
How do counterfeits impact the local economy of the United States?
Counterfeiting can undermine confidence in currency and lead to economic losses for both consumers and businesses. The high circulation of counterfeit bills in retail establishments and local restaurants, as observed in Cleburne, Texas, can significantly impact the local economy.
What should I do if I suspect I have a counterfeit bill?
If you suspect that you have a counterfeit bill, it is advisable not to attempt to use it. Instead, contact local authorities immediately or visit a bank for an assessment. The United States Secret Service can provide assistance in these cases.
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