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.
