New Design for $100 Bill
For only the fourth time in history, the $100 bill has been redesigned, and will be entered into circulation in October 2013. The changes definitely are in your best interest. But, rest assured, Benjamin Franklin’s face will still grace the front of the bill.
Q: What's the main reason behind the redesign of the $100 bill?
A: To foil counterfeiting, and protect your hard-earned money. The new bills are harder for counterfeiters to reproduce, and easier for you to check.
Q: What security features should I check for?
A. The new version will feature two new security features aimed at combating counterfeiters, including a blue, 3-D security ribbon on the front of the bill where you’ll see images of bells change to 100s in the ribbon when the note is tilted back and forth and side to side. The blue security ribbon is woven into the note’s fabric, not printed on. The inkwell and Liberty Bell on the front of the bill and the number 100 in the right-hand corner also change from copper to green when the note is tilted.
Q: What other changes were made?
A: You'll find two portrait watermarks, one on the front and one on the back. There are embedded security threads on both sides of the bill that you can see if you hold the note up to a light. In addition, if you move your finger up and down Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder, it should feel rough to the touch.
Q: What will the color of the $100 bill be?
A: The bill will have a pale blue background color.
Q: Are there changes that will help those with visual impairments?
A: Yes. There's a large, easy-to-read number 100 located on the right side on the back of the bill printed in high-contrast gold ink. And, as previously mentioned, if you move your finger up and down Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder, it should feel rough to the touch.
Q: Do we have to exchange the old $100 bills for the new ones?
A: No. Old money is always good, so there will be no recall or devaluation. The old notes will be destroyed and replaced as they pass through the Fed system.
