How to Spot a Fake $100 Bill (1985 Edition)

Identifying counterfeit currency is essential to protecting your financial assets. When it comes to spotting a fake $100 bill from the 1985 series, there are specific features and techniques to look for. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you're handling genuine bills:

1. Examine the Paper Quality: Real U.S. currency is printed on a special paper blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen, which gives it a distinct feel. Counterfeit bills often use regular paper or a different blend, making them feel different. Run your fingers over the bill; it should feel crisp and textured.

2. Check the Watermark: The 1985 $100 bill features a watermark of Benjamin Franklin's portrait. Hold the bill up to the light and look for the watermark to appear as a ghostly image on the left side of the bill. This feature is hard to replicate and can be a strong indicator of authenticity.

3. Inspect the Security Thread: A thin, vertical security thread is embedded in the bill and can be seen when held up to the light. For the 1985 series, this thread is located to the right of Franklin’s portrait. The thread should be visible from both sides of the bill and should appear as a continuous line.

4. Verify the Microprinting: Look closely at the bill for microprinting, which includes tiny text that is difficult to reproduce accurately. For the 1985 $100 bill, microprinting can be found in various locations, such as around the portrait and within the security thread.

5. Assess the Color-Shifting Ink: While this feature is more prominent in later series, it's useful to check for color-shifting ink. The 1985 series does not feature this, but many modern counterfeiters attempt to replicate it. Tilt the bill to see if the ink changes color.

6. Review the Print Quality: Genuine bills have high-quality, detailed printing. Counterfeit bills often exhibit blurring, uneven edges, or poor detail. Use a magnifying glass to inspect the intricate patterns and printing quality.

7. Compare with a Known Genuine Bill: When in doubt, compare the suspect bill with a known genuine $100 bill from the same series. Look for discrepancies in color, print quality, and other features.

8. Utilize Counterfeit Detection Tools: Consider using counterfeit detection pens and ultraviolet lights, which can help in identifying fakes. The pen marks will turn a different color if the paper is not genuine, and UV lights reveal hidden security features.

9. Check for Serial Number Consistency: Ensure the serial number is consistent and not duplicated. Genuine bills have unique serial numbers, while counterfeit bills may have repeated numbers or mismatched fonts.

10. Understand the Legal Framework: Familiarize yourself with the legal consequences of handling counterfeit money. In many jurisdictions, knowingly using fake money can result in severe penalties.

By following these steps, you can better protect yourself against counterfeit $100 bills from the 1985 series. It’s always wise to stay vigilant and informed about the features of genuine currency to avoid potential losses.