What security features should I check on a $100 bill?
To determine if a $100 bill is genuine, focus on several key security features: the blue 3-D security ribbon with shifting images, the color-shifting ink on the numeral 100 in the lower right corner, the watermark of Benjamin Franklin visible when held to the light, and the security thread running vertically to the left of Franklin that glows pink when held under ultraviolet (UV) light. Also, examine the microprinting and the raised printing throughout the bill.
The blue 3-D security ribbon is one of the most obvious and difficult features to counterfeit. Tilting the bill back and forth will cause the images of bells and the numeral 100 on this ribbon to appear to move in the opposite direction. The color-shifting ink on the “100” in the lower right corner should change from copper to green when the bill is tilted. These features, combined with the watermark and security thread, provide multiple layers of authentication that are challenging for counterfeiters to replicate effectively. Beyond these prominent features, examine the finer details. Microprinting, which appears as tiny, almost illegible text to the naked eye, can be found on Franklin’s collar, around the blank space where the watermark appears, and on the borders of the bill. The raised printing, which you can feel by running your fingers across the bill, is particularly noticeable on Franklin’s coat and around the borders. Authentic currency is printed with extreme precision, so blurry or poorly defined details are often indicative of a counterfeit. Familiarize yourself with these features, and checking a $100 bill becomes a quick and reliable process.
How does the color-shifting ink work on the $100?
The color-shifting ink on the $100 bill, found in the lower right corner on the numeral “100”, uses optically variable ink (OVI). This ink contains microscopic flakes with specific optical properties that cause it to display different colors when viewed from different angles.
When you tilt a genuine $100 bill, the color of the “100” will visibly shift from green to magenta, or vice versa. This effect is created by the way the light interacts with the tiny, layered structures within the ink. These structures are designed to reflect light differently depending on the angle of incidence. Counterfeiters find it extremely difficult to replicate this precise color-shifting effect accurately because the specialized inks and printing techniques are costly and complex.
It is important to note that the color shift is not simply a change in shade, but a distinct change in color. The OVI technology represents an advanced security feature which is frequently updated by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to stay ahead of counterfeiters. So, while counterfeiters may attempt to mimic the color change, the quality and range of the color shift on a genuine bill are usually unmatched.
What does the security thread in a $100 bill look like?
The security thread in a genuine U.S. $100 bill is a thin, vertical polymer strip embedded within the paper itself. It’s not printed on the surface. When held up to a light source, the thread is clearly visible and runs from the top to the bottom of the bill. It is also imprinted with the letters “USA” and the denomination “$100” in a repeating pattern, which are visible from either side of the note.
This security thread is a key feature designed to deter counterfeiting. Its precise placement and the clarity of the microprinting are difficult for counterfeiters to replicate accurately. The thread’s location is always consistent in relation to the other design elements of the genuine bill, making it a reliable indicator of authenticity. Furthermore, the thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet (UV) light, a feature that is not readily apparent under normal lighting conditions. This is one of several security features designed to be easily verifiable with readily available tools.
When examining a suspected counterfeit, remember that simply seeing *a* thread isn’t enough. You need to hold the bill up to the light to properly view the thread and confirm that it contains the correct microprinting (“USA 100”) and is located in the correct position. Also, check the thread under UV light, if possible, to see if it fluoresces pink. If the thread is missing, printed on the surface, has incorrect or blurry microprinting, or does not glow pink under UV light, the bill is likely counterfeit. Integrating multiple verification methods such as checking for the watermark and color-shifting ink along with the security thread increases the certainty of proper authentication.
Is the paper texture of a genuine $100 bill different?
Yes, the paper texture of a genuine $100 bill is noticeably different from regular paper. It has a unique feel due to the specific blend of cotton and linen fibers used in its composition, along with the specialized printing process employed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Genuine US currency, including the $100 bill, is made from a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen. This combination gives the paper a distinct stiffness and durability that is hard to replicate. The paper is also unsized, meaning it lacks the coating found on most commercial papers, which results in a slightly rougher, more tactile surface. Counterfeiters often struggle to perfectly imitate this specific paper composition, frequently resorting to wood-based paper that feels smoother and thinner. When examining a suspected counterfeit, pay close attention to the texture – it should feel crisp and slightly rough, not flimsy or overly smooth.
Furthermore, the printing process contributes to the unique feel of a real $100 bill. Intaglio printing, used for the portrait and other key features, involves engraving the design onto a plate and then pressing the paper against it with high pressure. This creates raised ink that you can feel with your fingertips. This raised print is difficult to replicate convincingly with standard printing methods used by counterfeiters. Running your fingernail lightly across the portrait of Benjamin Franklin on a genuine $100 bill should reveal a distinct, raised texture. The absence of this raised print is a strong indication of a counterfeit.
What are common counterfeiting methods to watch out for?
Common counterfeiting methods range from simple bleaching and reprinting of lower denomination bills to sophisticated printing techniques that attempt to replicate security features. Awareness of these methods is crucial in identifying fraudulent currency.
Counterfeiters often target lower denomination bills, like $5 or $10 notes, bleaching them and then reprinting them as $100 bills. While the paper itself is genuine, the security features of a $100 bill will be absent, or crudely imitated. These might include a poorly rendered security thread or a blurry watermark. Another prevalent method involves printing fake bills using offset printing or digital printing technology. These bills often lack the sharpness and clarity of genuine currency, and the ink may smudge easily. The paper used may also feel different – usually smoother and lacking the crispness of authentic banknotes. Sophisticated counterfeiters attempt to replicate security features like color-shifting ink (on the numeral 100 in the lower right corner of the bill) and the 3-D security ribbon. However, even with advanced techniques, these features are frequently flawed. The color-shifting ink may not shift at all, or the color change might be incorrect. The 3-D security ribbon, instead of appearing to move as the bill is tilted, may be a static, printed image. Always be cautious when handling currency, and take a moment to check for telltale signs of counterfeiting.
Can I use a counterfeit pen to test a $100 bill?
While a counterfeit pen can be a quick initial check, it’s not a foolproof method for verifying a $100 bill’s authenticity. Counterfeit pens rely on detecting starch, which is often present in the paper used for fake currency. However, sophisticated counterfeiters can bleach lower denomination bills and reprint them as $100 bills, bypassing the pen’s detection because real currency paper doesn’t contain starch.
Relying solely on a counterfeit pen can give you a false sense of security. A genuine $100 bill possesses several security features that are much more difficult to replicate accurately. These features include the feel of the paper (it’s a blend of cotton and linen, giving it a unique texture), a security thread embedded in the paper that glows under UV light, and color-shifting ink that changes as you tilt the bill. Counterfeiters are constantly improving their techniques, so relying on older methods like a pen becomes less effective over time.
For accurate verification, it’s best to combine the pen test with a thorough inspection of other security features. Feel the texture of the bill, look for the security thread, and examine the color-shifting ink. Comparing the bill to a known genuine $100 bill is also highly recommended. If you’re still unsure, consider refusing the bill or asking for a different form of payment. Businesses that handle large sums of cash often use more advanced counterfeit detection devices.
And that’s it! Hopefully, you’re now feeling a little more confident about spotting a fake $100 bill. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more helpful tips and tricks. Stay safe, and happy spending!