How to Check if a 100 Dollar Bill is Real

Introduction:

Counterfeiting has become a significant concern in the modern era, with fake currency being circulated in various denominations. The $100 bill, being one of the highest denominations in circulation, is often targeted by counterfeiters. To ensure the authenticity of your $100 bill, it is crucial to learn how to identify genuine notes from their fake counterparts. In this article, we will discuss several effective methods to check if a 100 dollar bill is real.

Method 1: Watermark

One of the first things to check is the watermark. Real $100 bills have a clear watermark of Benjamin Franklin, the Founding Father of the United States. When held up to the light, the watermark becomes more prominent and appears to move as you tilt the bill.

1. Hold the bill against a light source.

2. Look for the watermark of Benjamin Franklin on the right side of the bill.

3. Observe if the watermark is clear and appears to move as you tilt the bill.

Method 2: Color Shifting Ink

Real $100 bills have color-shifting ink on the front, which changes color from copper to green when you tilt the bill.

1. Hold the bill at an angle.

2. Look for the color-shifting ink, which should appear as copper on one side and green on the other.

3. Tilt the bill and observe the color change.

Method 3: Security Thread

The security thread, also known as the "Federal Reserve" or "Treasury" strip, is a distinctive feature of real $100 bills.

1. Hold the bill up to the light.

2. Look for a thin, metallic strip running horizontally across the bill.

3. Observe if the strip contains the words "Federal Reserve" or "Treasury" in raised print.

Method 4: Micro Printing

Micro printing is a series of tiny letters or numbers that can only be seen under magnification.

1. Use a magnifying glass to examine the bill.

2. Look for micro printing, which can be found on the front and back of the bill.

3. Observe if the micro printing is clear and readable.

Method 5: Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet light can reveal certain security features on the bill that are not visible to the naked eye.

1. Place the bill under a UV light source, such as a blacklight.

2. Look for fluorescent ink, which should glow under the UV light.

3. Observe if the bill has the "100" symbol in the bottom right corner glowing.

Conclusion:

Identifying a genuine $100 bill from a counterfeit one can be challenging, but by using these methods, you can increase your chances of detecting fake currency. Always be vigilant and keep an eye out for suspicious bills. Remember, the security features mentioned in this article are designed to protect you from counterfeits, so take the time to familiarize yourself with them.