The $100 dollar bill is everywhere, yet most people don’t know the full story behind it. It’s not just a piece of paper — it’s history, design, and even a little mystery all rolled into one. From Benjamin Franklin’s face to secret features you can see only when you look closely, the $100 dollar bill has a lot to tell.
Who Is on the $100 Dollar Bill and Why?
Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most famous Founding Fathers, has been on the $100 dollar bill for decades. He wasn’t a president, but an inventor, diplomat, writer, and thinker, i.e. the person whose face would inspire trust and respect.
On the back of the bill is Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Together, Franklin and the hall remind everyone that the bill is more than just a piece of American currency, but a part of history and heritage.
How the $100 Bill Changed Over Time
The first $100 bill appeared in 1862. Back then, it looked very different: no colorful designs, no high-tech security, just a black-and-white note with Franklin’s portrait. Over the years, the design was changed specially to keep up with counterfeiting and modern printing technology.
Today’s $100 bill, introduced in 2013, looks very different from the older bills. It’s brighter, more colorful, and harder to fake. Blue and orange highlights, a 3D security ribbon, and the color-changing bell in the inkwell are just a few of the updates that make this note special.
Feature | Old $100 Bill | New $100 Bill |
Color | Traditional green and black, simple and uniform | Green base with bright blue and orange accents, giving a more modern and visually striking look |
Security Ribbon | None; relied mainly on watermarks and thread | 3D woven security ribbon with bells and “100”s that move when the bill is tilted |
Color-Shifting Ink | Basic color-shifting on the numeral “100” in the corner | Advanced color-shifting bell in the inkwell that changes from copper to green, plus improved “100” ink |
Watermark | Franklin’s portrait visible from one side under light | Larger Franklin watermark visible from both sides and easier to see |
Microprinting | Very limited; tiny text around borders | Extensive microprinting in multiple areas including Franklin’s jacket, quill, and borders for enhanced anti-counterfeiting |
Secret Features That Protect the $100 Bill
The $100 dollar bill is one of the safest notes in the world. Some of its most interesting security features include:
3D Security ribbon – Tilt the bill and watch the bells and “100”s move.
Bell in the inkwell – Changes color from copper to green.
Watermark – A faint image of Franklin visible from both sides.
Microprinting – Tiny words hidden in the border and Franklin’s jacket.
Security еhread – Glows pink under UV light.
These features don’t just look new and great, all they are made for one reason – to make counterfeiting extremely difficult.
Rare $100 Note Examples That Collectors Love
Some $100 bills are worth far more than their face value. Many collectors explore the notes and look for unusual features, errors, and special serial numbers.
Star Notes
Star notes are replacement bills marked with a star (*) at the end of the serial number. They are rarer than regular bills, which makes them popular among collectors. A 2017A $100 star note in excellent condition was listed on eBay for $600, showing the premium these notes can fetch.
Misaligned Printing Errors
Misaligned printing errors happen when the printing plates are off, causing parts of the design to be cut off or overlapped. A 2017A $100 bill with a misaligned printing error was listed on eBay for $140. Collectors value these errors because each one is unique.
Solid Serial Numbers
Solid serial numbers are made up of repeating digits, like 44444444. A 1990 $100 bill with all fours was valued at about $2,000 ungraded and up to $5,520 when certified by the Professional Coin Grading Society. The repetition makes these bills visually striking and rare.
Trinary Notes
Trinary notes have serial numbers using only three different digits, arranged in repeating patterns, such as 12312312. A 1996 $100 bill with a trinary serial number was listed on eBay for $250. These notes are less rare than solid serial numbers but still attract collectors.
Unique Serial Numbers
Unique serial numbers include palindromes or other special sequences, like 12344321. A $100 bill with a palindrome serial number was listed on eBay for $359.
Why People Love the $100 Bill Worldwide
The $100 dollar bill isn’t just popular in the United States — it’s one of the most used notes globally. In many countries, it’s a trusted form of cash for saving, trading, and large purchases. Even in places where the local currency is used daily, people often prefer $100 bills for big transactions or storing wealth.
It’s also part of popular culture: movies, songs, and art often feature the $100 bill as a symbol of success, ambition, and financial freedom. Phrases like “stacking hundreds” or “making it to the $100 bill” show just how ingrained it is in everyday life.
Fun facts about the $100 bill:
The bill is nicknamed “Benjamin” in slang, thanks to Franklin’s portrait.
It’s made from a special blend of cotton and linen, giving it durability and a unique feel.
Older $100 bills are still legal tender, even though newer designs are more secure.
Collecting $100 Bills
Collecting $100 bills is more than just a hobby — it’s like holding a piece of financial history in your hands. Every bill tells a story, be it about design changes, printing technology, or even mistakes that slipped past the presses. When it comes to what collectors pay attention to, a few categories always stand out:
notes in pristine, uncirculated condition
older designs or discontinued series that are no longer in use
printing errors or misalignments that make a bill one of a kind
unusual or rare serial numbers, like repeaters, ladders, or radars
Even bills printed in recent years can turn out to be surprisingly valuable if they include these special features. That’s why some collectors buy packs or rolls of $100s straight from the bank, carefully inspecting them in hopes of finding a star note, an odd pattern, or a hidden printing flaw. The excitement comes from the possibility that one ordinary-looking bill might actually be worth several times its face value.
Investment Potential
Beyond the thrill of the hunt, many people also see $100 bill collecting as a smart long-term investment. Unlike smaller denominations, $100 bills are often stored rather than heavily circulated, which means more high-grade examples survive. This makes it easier to find collectible pieces today that could appreciate significantly over time.
Rare serial numbers or discontinued series can rise sharply in value as demand grows, and unusual error notes often command premium prices at auctions. For some collectors, setting aside the right bills now is more just about passion — it’s also about building a portfolio that could deliver solid returns in the future.
Why the $100 Bill Still Stands Out
The $100 bill has always carried more than its face value, as it is a symbol of history, trust, and even opportunity for those who collect. Some bills become special because of their condition, age, or unusual features, turning them into pieces worth holding onto.
Collectors today also use simple tools to help with their hobby. For example, Coin ID Scanner can recognize and give background on pieces in your collection, making it easier to track and learn about what you already own. And with a sharp eye, you might find that even a $100 bill in your hands has a story worth keeping.
