How to Spot a Fake Old $100 Bill

Identifying counterfeit currency is crucial for both businesses and individuals. As the old $100 bill, featuring Benjamin Franklin, has been around for decades, understanding its security features and knowing what to look for can help you avoid accepting fake bills. This guide provides an in-depth look into recognizing counterfeit old $100 bills, detailing key security features and tips for verification.

1. Examine the Paper Quality

Old $100 bills are printed on a special type of paper that contains small security threads and fibers. Genuine bills feel slightly rough and crisp due to the cotton and linen blend used in their production. When handling an old $100 bill, pay attention to the following:

• Texture: Authentic bills have a distinct texture and feel. Run your fingers over the bill; it should feel different from ordinary paper or lower-quality bills.
• Fibers: Genuine $100 bills contain small red and blue fibers embedded throughout the paper. These fibers should be visible even without a magnifying glass.

2. Check the Watermark

A prominent feature in older $100 bills is the watermark, which is a part of the bill's design and is visible from both sides of the bill. To verify the watermark:

• Location: Hold the bill up to the light. The watermark should appear on the left side of the bill, showing a clear image of Benjamin Franklin’s face.
• Clarity: The watermark should be crisp and detailed, blending seamlessly with the rest of the bill’s design.

3. Inspect the Security Thread

Older $100 bills include a security thread that runs vertically through the bill. This thread is embedded in the paper and not just printed on top. To verify the security thread:

• Appearance: The thread should be visible when held up to the light. It should appear as a solid stripe and not as a printed line.
• Text: For the old $100 bill, the thread should have "USA" and "100" written in a repeating pattern.

4. Look for the Microprinting

Microprinting is a security feature that includes tiny text that is hard to replicate. For the old $100 bill, look for:

• Microtext: Small, tiny text located in various places on the bill, such as around Benjamin Franklin’s portrait or within the security thread area.
• Legibility: Use a magnifying glass to check if the microprinting is clear and legible. Counterfeit bills often have blurred or illegible text.

5. Examine the Color-Shifting Ink

The old $100 bill features a color-shifting ink in the lower right corner. This ink changes color when the bill is tilted. To check this feature:

• Tilt the Bill: Hold the bill at an angle and observe the lower right corner. The ink should shift from copper to green.
• Color Consistency: Ensure that the color shift is smooth and consistent. In counterfeit bills, this feature may not be as pronounced or may appear uneven.

6. Verify the Raised Printing

Authentic old $100 bills have raised printing that can be felt by running your fingers over the bill. This feature is particularly noticeable on the large "100" in the lower right corner. To check for raised printing:

• Touch Test: Gently rub your fingers over the bill’s surface, especially around the large "100." You should feel a slight texture difference.
• Consistent Texture: The raised printing should be consistent across genuine bills and not easily replicated in counterfeits.

7. Use a UV Light

Counterfeit detection can be enhanced using a UV light. Older $100 bills feature specific security fibers that glow under UV light. For this verification:

• Glow Test: Shine a UV light on the bill. Genuine bills will show a distinct glow from the security fibers.
• Pattern: Ensure the glow is consistent with the known patterns of security fibers embedded in the bill.

8. Compare with a Genuine Bill

If you have access to a genuine old $100 bill, use it as a reference for comparison. This comparison will help you spot discrepancies between the genuine and suspected counterfeit bills:

• Side-by-Side Comparison: Place the suspected counterfeit bill next to a genuine bill under good lighting conditions.
• Detail Check: Compare details such as the watermark, security thread, and microprinting. Any differences could indicate a fake bill.

9. Consult Professional Resources

For high-value transactions or doubts about a bill's authenticity, consult professional resources or use specialized counterfeit detection tools. These tools can provide additional verification and peace of mind:

• Counterfeit Detection Pens: Use these pens to check the paper quality and detect possible counterfeits.
• Professional Advice: Contact financial institutions or law enforcement agencies for further assistance.

Conclusion

Detecting fake old $100 bills involves a combination of tactile, visual, and lighting-based checks. By thoroughly examining these features and comparing with genuine bills, you can protect yourself from accepting counterfeit currency. Always stay vigilant and utilize available resources to ensure the authenticity of your money.