Real Hundred Dollar Bill vs Fake: A Comprehensive Comparison

Introduction:

The hundred dollar bill is one of the most recognized and widely used currency notes in the world. However, with the increasing sophistication of counterfeiters, distinguishing between a real and a fake hundred dollar bill has become more challenging. In this article, we will compare the features of a real hundred dollar bill with those of a fake one, highlighting the key differences that can help you identify a genuine bill.

Design and Appearance:

1. Color and Texture:

Real hundred dollar bills have a distinct color scheme and texture. The front side of the bill features a green color with a subtle blue hue, while the back side is a shade of blue. The texture of the paper is smooth and slightly glossy. In contrast, fake bills may have an off-color or inconsistent texture, which can be a clear indicator of their authenticity.

2. Watermark:

One of the most noticeable features of a real hundred dollar bill is the watermark. When held up to the light, the watermark shows the image of Benjamin Franklin, the face of the bill. The watermark is clear, well-defined, and appears on both sides of the bill. Counterfeit bills often have a poorly printed watermark or none at all.

3. Security Thread:

A real hundred dollar bill has a security thread that is visible when held up to the light. The thread is a thin, metallic strip that runs vertically through the bill and contains the words "USA 100" and a small image of Franklin. Fake bills may have a security thread, but it is often poorly integrated or missing.

4. Raised Printing:

Real hundred dollar bills have raised printing on the front and back, which can be felt when running your fingers over the paper. Counterfeit bills may have flat or uneven printing, which is a clear sign of their inauthenticity.

Ink and Printing Quality:

1. Ink:

Real hundred dollar bills are printed using high-quality ink that is resistant to fading and smudging. The colors are vibrant and sharp, and the overall print quality is excellent. Fake bills, on the other hand, may have faded or dull colors, and the ink may smudge easily.

2. Printing:

The printing on a real hundred dollar bill is precise and detailed. The images, text, and symbols are well-defined and aligned. Counterfeit bills often have misaligned printing, blurred images, or missing details.

Special Features:

1. Three-Dimensional Security Features:

Real hundred dollar bills have three-dimensional security features that can be observed when tilting the bill. For example, the number "100" on the front side appears to move as you tilt the bill. Fake bills may lack these features or have poorly executed versions.

2. Microprinting:

Microprinting is a small, fine print that can be found on the front and back of real hundred dollar bills. When magnified, the text is clear and legible. Counterfeit bills may have missing or poorly printed microprinting.

Conclusion:

Identifying a real hundred dollar bill from a fake one requires careful observation and attention to detail. By comparing the design, appearance, ink quality, and special features, you can determine the authenticity of a bill. Always be cautious when handling large sums of money and seek assistance from a bank or financial institution if you are unsure about the authenticity of a bill.