What President Is On A $100 Bill? The Truth Behind The Face Of The American C-Note
When people ask what president is on a $100 bill, they are often surprised to learn the answer is actually a trick question. While almost every other denomination of United States paper currency features a former commander-in-chief, the highest-value note in general circulation does not.The face staring back at you from the "C-note" is Benjamin Franklin, one of the most influential Founding Fathers in history. Despite his massive impact on the formation of the United States, Franklin never served as President. This unique distinction makes the $100 bill a subject of constant curiosity, especially as its design has evolved to become one of the most technologically advanced pieces of paper in the world.In this guide, we will dive deep into the history of the $100 bill, why Benjamin Franklin was chosen for this honor, and the fascinating security features that keep this high-value note safe from counterfeiters. Who Exactly Is the Face on the $100 Bill?To answer the question of what president is on a $100 bill, we must first clarify that Benjamin Franklin is the man featured on the note. He is one of only two non-presidents currently featured on US paper currency—the other being Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill.Benjamin Franklin was a polymath who excelled as an author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. His contributions to the American Revolution and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence made him an obvious choice for the nation's currency, even if he never held the highest office in the land.The choice to place Franklin on the $100 bill in 1914 was not accidental. As a man who championed hard work, thrift, and "common sense," his image aligns perfectly with the highest denomination of currency most Americans will ever hold in their hands.Why Benjamin Franklin Is on the $100 Bill Despite Never Being PresidentThe Treasury Department has specific reasons for choosing the portraits on our money. While there is no law requiring a person to be a president to appear on a bill, the individuals chosen must have a permanent impact on American history.Franklin's role as a Founding Father and his work in securing French support during the Revolutionary War were pivotal. He was also the first Postmaster General and a key negotiator of the Treaty of Paris. His face represents American ingenuity and the spirit of the Enlightenment.Furthermore, Franklin was a famous advocate for paper currency itself. In 1729, he wrote a pamphlet titled A Modest Enquiry into the Nature and Necessity of a Paper-Currency, which helped convince the colonies to adopt paper money to stimulate the economy. It is only fitting that the man who helped invent American money is the face of its most prestigious note. The History of the $100 Bill: From Alexander Hamilton to the Modern "Benjamins"The $100 bill has not always looked the way it does today. In fact, if you went back to the mid-19th century, the answer to what president is on a $100 bill would have been very different—or it might not have been a president at all.The first $100 notes were issued by the Federal Government in 1862. These early versions featured a variety of figures and symbolic imagery. For a brief period, even Alexander Hamilton appeared on the $100 bill before he was moved to the $10 note. Other figures, such as Admiral David Farragut and even President Abraham Lincoln, have graced different versions of the hundred-dollar denomination throughout the 1800s.It wasn't until 1914 that the Federal Reserve issued the first standardized $100 bill featuring Benjamin Franklin. Since then, while the design around him has changed significantly, "Benny" has remained the constant face of the C-note.The Evolution of the "Big Head" DesignIn 1996, the $100 bill underwent its first major modern redesign. This version is often referred to as the "Big Head" note because Franklin’s portrait was enlarged and shifted slightly to the left.This change was not just for aesthetics. By moving the portrait off-center, the Treasury created more room for a watermark and reduced the wear on the portrait, which is often the most detailed part of the bill. This era marked the beginning of the intense focus on anti-counterfeiting technology that defines the modern $100 bill today. How to Spot a Fake: Security Features of the Modern $100 BillBecause the $100 bill is the most frequently counterfeited note outside of the United States, the Secret Service and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing have packed it with high-tech features. Understanding these features is essential for anyone handling large amounts of cash.When looking at a modern $100 bill (specifically the Series 2009 and later), you should check for several key indicators that prove its authenticity. These features ensure that the "Benjamin" in your pocket is the real deal.The 3D Security Ribbon: A Feat of EngineeringOne of the most striking features of the new $100 bill is the blue 3D security ribbon woven into the paper. This is not printed on the bill; it is actually threaded through the fibers.When you tilt the bill back and forth, you will see images of bells and 100s moving. If you tilt it vertically, the images move horizontally. If you tilt it horizontally, they move vertically. This micro-lens technology is incredibly difficult for counterfeiters to replicate and is the first thing most bank tellers check.The Bell in the InkwellTo the right of Franklin’s portrait, there is a copper-colored inkwell containing a green Bell of Liberty. This is a color-shifting feature. When you tilt the bill, the bell changes from copper to green, an effect that makes it look as though the bell is appearing and disappearing within the inkwell.This feature, along with the color-shifting "100" in the bottom right corner, uses specialized ink that is highly regulated and unavailable to the general public, making it a primary line of defense against high-quality fakes. Series 2009 and 2009A: The Major Redesign of the Hundred-Dollar NoteIf you are looking at a bill today, you are likely looking at a Series 2009 or 2009A note. This version was released to the public in October 2013 after several years of production delays related to the complexity of the new security features.This series introduced the bright blue ribbon and the updated portrait of Franklin without the oval frame that had been used for decades. The goal of the 2009 redesign was to stay ahead of digital scanning and printing technologies that were making it easier for criminals to produce "supernotes"—counterfeits that are nearly indistinguishable from real currency.Why the New $100 Bill Looks "Blue"Many people refer to the modern note as the "Blue Benjamin" because of the prominent security ribbon. This color choice was intentional to help the public quickly distinguish between the older series and the new, more secure versions. The background colors of the bill also include subtle hues of blue and orange, adding another layer of complexity that simple color copiers cannot easily mimic.
Are Old $100 Bills Worth More Than Face Value?When people find an older version of the $100 bill, they often wonder if it is a collector's item. While most $100 bills from the mid-20th century are only worth their face value, certain versions can be worth significantly more to collectors."Star notes"—bills that have a small star at the end of the serial number—are replacements for misprinted notes and can carry a premium. Additionally, bills from the Series 1928 or earlier, or those with unique "fancy" serial numbers (like 00000001 or 12345678), can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the right buyer.However, even if you have an "old style" small-head Franklin from the 1970s or 80s, it is still legal tender. You can spend it at any store, though some younger cashiers might find the unfamiliar design suspicious! The Future: Will the $100 Bill Ever Be Phased Out?There has been ongoing debate among economists about the future of the $100 bill. Some argue that high-denomination notes should be eliminated to combat tax evasion and illegal activities, as $100 bills are the preferred currency for "off-the-books" transactions.However, the Federal Reserve has shown no signs of discontinuing the note. The global demand for the $100 bill remains incredibly high, and it serves as a vital tool for international trade and as a store of value for people in countries with volatile local currencies.Instead of phasing it out, the US government continues to invest in new security technologies. We can expect another redesign within the next decade to incorporate even more advanced features, such as moving ink or perhaps even digital integration. Staying Informed on Currency TrendsUnderstanding the currency you use every day is more than just trivia; it is a matter of financial literacy and security. Knowing that Benjamin Franklin—and not a president—is the face of the $100 bill is just the beginning of understanding how the US monetary system operates.As digital payments become more common, the physical $100 bill remains a symbol of stability and trust. Whether you are a collector, a business owner, or just curious about the cash in your wallet, staying informed about design changes and security updates is always a smart move. ConclusionThe next time someone asks you what president is on a $100 bill, you can confidently tell them that no president holds that spot. The honor belongs to Benjamin Franklin, the scientist and statesman who helped shape the very foundations of the United States.From its humble beginnings in the 1860s to its current status as a high-tech marvel of security and design, the $100 bill is a fascinating piece of American history. By knowing what to look for—from the 3D blue ribbon to the Bell in the Inkwell—you can ensure that you are always handling your "Benjamins" with confidence and knowledge. Keep an eye on your currency; you never know what history is hiding in plain sight.
100 Bill President
