Who Is On A 100 Dollar Bill? The Surprising History And Hidden Secrets Of The "Benjamin"
When you hold a crisp, blue-tinged note in your hand, the first thing you notice is the stoic, unsmiling face staring back at you. If you have ever wondered who is on a 100 dollar bill, you are certainly not alone. This denomination is the highest value of U.S. currency currently in circulation, and its portrait belongs to one of the most prolific figures in American history: Benjamin Franklin.Commonly referred to in pop culture and financial circles as a "Benjamin," this note carries more than just monetary value; it represents a legacy of innovation, diplomacy, and the birth of a nation. Unlike almost every other person featured on U.S. paper currency, the man on the hundred-dollar note was never a President of the United States.In this deep dive, we will explore why this specific Founding Father was chosen, the high-tech security features that protect the bill today, and why this note remains the most sought-after piece of currency in the world. Why Is Benjamin Franklin on the 100 Dollar Bill?The decision regarding who is on a 100 dollar bill was made in 1914, and the choice of Benjamin Franklin was deeply intentional. While George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Andrew Jackson were presidents, Franklin was chosen for his unparalleled contributions to the American identity and his role as a master of finance and diplomacy.Franklin was a polymath—a scientist, inventor, writer, and statesman. He was instrumental in the founding of the United States, being the only person to sign all four of the key documents that established the country: the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and the Constitution.Beyond his political achievements, Franklin was a pioneer in monetary theory. He actually printed currency for the American colonies and wrote essays on the importance of paper money to stimulate the economy. His face on the $100 bill serves as a permanent tribute to his fiscal wisdom and his belief in the American dream. Was Benjamin Franklin Ever a U.S. President?One of the most frequent misconceptions regarding who is on a 100 dollar bill is the assumption that he was a president. Many people assume that because he shares the spotlight with Washington and Lincoln, he must have held the highest office in the land.However, Benjamin Franklin was never a President. He was, however, the Governor of Pennsylvania and the first Postmaster General. His influence was so massive that he is often called "The First American." The U.S. Treasury chose to honor him on the highest denomination because his international fame and intellectual prestige mirrored the power and stability of the American dollar. The Anatomy of a $100 Bill: Security Features You Need to KnowKnowing who is on a 100 dollar bill is only the beginning. The modern $100 note, specifically the Series 2004 and newer designs, is a marvel of engineering. Because it is the most frequently counterfeited note outside of the United States, the government has packed it with complex security measures.The 3D Security RibbonIf you look at a modern "blue note," you will see a woven blue ribbon running vertically down the center. This is not printed on the paper; it is woven into the paper fiber. When you tilt the bill, you will see images of bells and the number "100" moving. This is a primary way to verify the person who is on a 100 dollar bill is appearing on a legitimate note.The Bell in the InkwellTo the right of Franklin’s portrait, there is a copper-colored inkwell. Inside that inkwell is a color-shifting bell. When you tilt the bill, the bell changes from copper to green, an effect that makes the bell appear to disappear and reappear within the inkwell.The Watermark and MicroprintingIf you hold the bill up to a light, you will see a faint image of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the portrait. This watermark is visible from both sides of the note. Additionally, there is microprinting—words so small they require a magnifying glass to read—located on Franklin’s jacket collar and around the border of the note. A History of Change: How the $100 Bill Has Evolved Over TimeThe question of who is on a 100 dollar bill has not always had the same answer. While Franklin has been the face of the note since 1914, the design of the bill has undergone several major overhauls to keep up with changing technology and aesthetic trends.The Original Small-Portrait EraFrom 1914 until the mid-1990s, the $100 bill featured a much smaller portrait of Franklin centered in an ornate oval frame. These notes are still legal tender but are becoming increasingly rare as the Federal Reserve removes them from circulation to replace them with more secure versions.The 1996 Redesign: The "Big Head" BillIn 1996, the portrait of Franklin was significantly enlarged and moved slightly to the left. This was done to make it easier for people to recognize the details of his face, which makes the bill harder to counterfeit. This version also introduced the color-shifting ink on the "100" in the bottom right corner.The 2013 "Blue Note" UpdateThe most recent major update occurred in 2013. This version added the blue 3D security ribbon and the copper inkwell. It is often referred to as the "new hundred" or the "blue note" due to the prominent blue color scheme that distinguishes it from older, greener versions.
Rare $100 Bills That Are Worth More Than Face ValueWhile the value of the note usually stays at $100, certain versions of the bill featuring who is on a 100 dollar bill can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.Star Notes: If there is a star at the end of the serial number, it means the bill was a replacement for a misprinted note. These are rarer and highly collectible.Low Serial Numbers: Notes with serial numbers like 00000001 are extremely valuable.Fancy Serial Numbers: Patterns like ladders (12345678) or radars (numbers that read the same forward and backward) are a hit with collectors.Misprints: Errors like "double prints" or bills where the portrait is off-center can be worth a small fortune. Why the $100 Bill is the Most Counterfeited Currency Outside the U.S.The prestige of who is on a 100 dollar bill makes it a target. Because the U.S. dollar is the world's reserve currency, the $100 bill is used globally for large transactions, savings, and international trade. This high demand unfortunately leads to high rates of counterfeiting abroad.To combat this, the U.S. Secret Service and the Department of the Treasury constantly monitor for new "supernotes"—high-quality fakes that are difficult to detect. This is why the design of the bill featuring Franklin is updated roughly every decade. The goal is to stay one step ahead of criminals by using advanced polymers, color-shifting dyes, and intricate weaving. Cultural Impact: Why We Call Them "Benjamins"The person who is on a 100 dollar bill has become a cultural icon synonymous with wealth and success. In music, movies, and literature, the term "Benjamins" is used as shorthand for high-value cash.The phrase "It's all about the Benjamins" became a permanent part of the American lexicon in the late 1990s. This cultural weight reinforces the status of the $100 bill as more than just money; it is a symbol of aspiration. Franklin, who rose from a humble apprentice to a world-renowned genius, perfectly embodies the idea of "making it" through hard work and wit. Is There a $500 or $1,000 Bill?While we are focusing on who is on a 100 dollar bill, many people wonder if there are even higher denominations. At one point, there were! The U.S. previously printed $500, $1,000, $5,000, and even $10,000 bills.William McKinley was on the $500 bill.Alexander Hamilton (and later Grover Cleveland) was on the $1,000 bill.James Madison was on the $5,000 bill.Salmon P. Chase was on the $10,000 bill.These notes were primarily used for inter-bank transfers before the digital age. They were officially discontinued in 1969 due to lack of use. Today, the $100 bill remains the king of the wallet, making Benjamin Franklin the most "valuable" face in regular circulation. How to Properly Check a $100 Bill for AuthenticityIf you are ever handed a $100 bill, you shouldn't just look at who is on a 100 dollar bill—you should feel the paper. Genuine U.S. currency is not actually paper; it is a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen.The Feel of the Paper: It should feel slightly rough to the touch.Raised Printing: If you run your fingernail across Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder, you should feel distinct ridges. This is a result of the intaglio printing process.The Security Thread: Hold it to a light to see a vertical thread that glows pink under UV light.Color-Shifting Ink: Watch the number "100" in the bottom right corner change from green to black or copper to green. Looking Ahead: Will the $100 Bill Ever Be Redesigned Again?The future of who is on a 100 dollar bill seems secure. While there have been discussions about changing the faces on other denominations (such as the $20 bill), there are currently no formal plans to remove Benjamin Franklin from the $100 note.However, as we move toward a more digital economy, the $100 bill is evolving in its usage. It is increasingly being used as a store of value rather than a daily transactional tool. Whether it’s hidden under a mattress or held in a central bank vault, the "Benjamin" remains a global standard for security and trust. Conclusion: The Legacy of Benjamin FranklinUnderstanding who is on a 100 dollar bill gives us a window into American history. Benjamin Franklin was more than just a man on a piece of paper; he was an innovator who helped shape the very concept of American currency.From the intricate 3D security ribbon to the iconic portrait that symbolizes wealth across the globe, the $100 bill is a testament to the enduring power of the U.S. economy. The next time you see a "Benjamin," you can appreciate not just the value of the money, but the incredible history and technology that keeps it safe. Stay informed and always keep an eye out for those unique security features that make the American $100 bill a masterpiece of financial design.
Who are the faces on the U.S. Dollar Bills? - World History Edu
