Identifying Authenticity of a $100 Bill

Buzz

Content

Steps

Verification Process for Recent Bills (2009 and Beyond)

Examine Older Bills (Pre-Series 2009)

Reporting Counterfeit Bills

Tips

ARTICLE

Steps

Verification Process for Recent Bills (2009 and Beyond)

Examine the Serial Numbers. Serial numbers should align with the series. They are located in the upper left and lower right corners. Incompatibility between the serial number and the series indicates a probable counterfeit.

For series 2009 bills, the serial number should commence with J.
For series 2009A bills, the serial number should commence with L.

Inspect with a magnifying glass to locate the microprint. Examine around Franklin’s neckline, where you'll find the inscription “The United States of America” in minuscule font. Also, observe “USA 100” encircling the portrait and “100 USA” near the quill pen on the right side of Franklin.

Examine Older Bills (Pre-Series 2009)

Verify the bill’s date. The latest $100 bills belong to the “Series 2009” and are equipped with numerous security features. While older bills are gradually being removed from circulation to thwart counterfeiters, they remain legal tender. Always check the bill's issuance date. Typically, $100 bills are in circulation for approximately seven years, so most older bills should be out of use by now. However, you might still have some stored at home that you wish to verify.

Familiarize yourself with the bill's texture. U.S. currency is distinctively printed on a blend of cotton and linen rather than traditional paper. Authentic bills feature slightly raised ink due to the printing process. Regular exposure to currency will help you recognize genuine bills by touch. While tactile examination isn't foolproof as sophisticated counterfeiters may bleach authentic bills and print over them, they often struggle to replicate the raised printing, making touch an effective initial step in authentication.

Check for the security thread. Post-1990 $100 bills should include a security thread on the left side, visible only under light. This thread alternates between the words “USA” and “100” and emits a pink glow under UV light.

Examine microprinting. Microprinting was a security feature on older bills. Use a magnifying glass to locate microprinting, which varies depending on the bill's issuance year. For instance, $100 bills issued from 1990-1996 should display “The United States of America” near the portrait oval's outer edge. Bills from 1996-2013 should feature “USA100” within the numeral 100 on the bottom left corner, along with “The United States of America” on Franklin’s left coat lapel.

Look for color-shifting ink. $100 bills issued between 1996-2013 use color-shifting ink. Angle the bill in the light and inspect the lower right corner; the numeral 100 should transition from green to black.

Locate the watermark portrait. Bills produced post-1996 include a faint watermark portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the right-hand side. It should be visible from either side of the bill.

Note blurry borders. Genuine bills feature sharp, well-defined lines, which are challenging for counterfeiters to replicate. Blurry printing or text indicates a probable counterfeit.

Utilize a counterfeit money detection pen. Available on Amazon for $5, this pen detects common counterfeit chemicals. However, counterfeiters have adapted, rendering the pen less effective. Alternatively, consider purchasing a counterfeit detection pen equipped with a UV light in the cap, available for under $10.

Compare it with another bill. $100 bills printed before 1990 lack special security features. Thus, the most reliable method to authenticate them is by comparing them to another $100 bill. You may need to visit a bank for verification. Additionally, you can access images of older $100 bills on the U.S. Currency website.

Reporting Counterfeit Bills

Retain a counterfeit bill. If you suspect a bill is fake, refrain from returning it to the individual who tendered it. Instead, stall the person and summon a manager. Inform the passer that the manager needs to inspect the bill.

Document details. While awaiting inspection, record pertinent information about the passer, including age, height, hair color, eye color, weight, and distinguishing features. If feasible, obtain the passer's license plate number if they arrived by vehicle. Remember, the passer may not be the counterfeiter, so refrain from assuming guilt.

Initial the bill. Write your initials and the date within the white border surrounding the $100 bill.

Handle the bill with care. Minimize contact with the counterfeit $100 bill as it may contain fingerprints that could be useful to the police. Store it in an envelope separate from other bills, labeled as 'counterfeit' for easy identification.

Contact the police. Locate their number in your telephone directory and inform them about the counterfeit $100 bill, providing your location. Follow their instructions, which usually involve contacting the Secret Service for further investigation. Alternatively, you can directly contact the Secret Service using the website provided, entering your zip code to find your local office.

Transfer the counterfeit bill to authorized personnel. Only surrender the bill to a verified police officer or Secret Service agent. If handing it to the Secret Service, you might be required to complete a Counterfeit Note Report for each bill.

Tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

What steps should I take to verify a recent $100 bill?

To verify a recent $100 bill, check the serial numbers, inspect for microprint, examine the texture, and look for the security thread. Ensure the bill aligns with the series and verify that it has the required security features.

How can I identify an older $100 bill from the current series?

To identify an older $100 bill, check its issuance date, examine the texture for raised ink, and look for specific security features like microprinting and the absence of a security thread that newer bills possess.

What should I do if I suspect I have a counterfeit $100 bill?

If you suspect a counterfeit $100 bill, do not return it to the person who gave it to you. Instead, stall them, document their details, and contact the police or Secret Service for guidance on handling the situation.

How can I use a counterfeit detection pen effectively?

A counterfeit detection pen can help identify common counterfeit chemicals on a bill. However, keep in mind that sophisticated counterfeiters may bypass this method. For better accuracy, consider using a pen that includes a UV light.

What features should I look for to confirm a $100 bill is genuine?

To confirm a $100 bill is genuine, look for a watermark portrait of Benjamin Franklin, color-shifting ink in the lower right corner, and sharp borders. Genuine bills have well-defined printing that counterfeiters often struggle to replicate.