How to Check a 100 Dollar Bill: A Quick and Easy Guide
Counterfeit money is a growing problem, and it’s important to be able to spot fake bills to protect yourself from being scammed. Here’s a quick and easy guide on how to check a 100 dollar bill:
Materials You’ll Need
- A genuine $100 bill
- A magnifying glass
- A UV light
- A black light
Step 1: Check the Security Thread
The security thread is a thin, vertical strip embedded in the bill. Hold the bill up to the light and look for a thread that reads "USA 100." The thread should be visible from both sides of the bill.
Step 2: Check the Watermark
The watermark is a faint image of Benjamin Franklin that is visible when the bill is held up to the light. The watermark should be located in the blank space to the right of Franklin’s portrait.
Step 3: Check the Color-Shifting Ink
The ink in the numbers on the bill should shift from black to green when the bill is tilted. This is a difficult feature to counterfeit, so it’s a good indicator of authenticity.
Step 4: Check the Hologram
The hologram is a small, metallic strip located on the bottom right corner of the bill. When the bill is tilted, the hologram should change from a bell to a 100.
Step 5: Check the Microprinting
The bill is covered in tiny text that is only visible under a magnifying glass. Look for the words "USA 100" and "The United States of America" printed in the border around the bill.
Step 6: Check the UV Features
When the bill is held under a UV light, the Treasury seal on the back of the bill should glow green. The security thread should also glow orange.
Step 7: Check the Black Light Features
When the bill is held under a black light, the fibers in the paper should glow blue. The Treasury seal should also glow yellow.
If you’re still not sure whether a bill is real or fake, you can take it to a bank or credit union. They have special equipment that can verify the authenticity of a bill.
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Comparison Table
| Feature | Real Bill | Fake Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Security Thread | USA 100 visible from both sides | May not be visible or may be printed on the surface |
| Watermark | Faint image of Benjamin Franklin visible when held up to the light | May not be visible or may be a different image |
| Color-Shifting Ink | Ink in the numbers shifts from black to green when tilted | Ink may not shift color or may shift to a different color |
| Hologram | Small, metallic strip that changes from a bell to a 100 when tilted | May not be present or may not change image |
| Microprinting | Tiny text that says "USA 100" and "The United States of America" printed in the border | May not be present or may be difficult to read |
| UV Features | Treasury seal glows green, security thread glows orange | May not glow under UV light or may glow a different color |
| Black Light Features | Fibers in the paper glow blue, Treasury seal glows yellow | May not glow under black light or may glow a different color |
Conclusion
Checking a 100 dollar bill is a quick and easy way to protect yourself from fraud. By following these steps, you can be sure that the bill you’re holding is real.
If you’re still not sure whether a bill is real or fake, you can always take it to a bank or credit union for verification.
I hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
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FAQ about Checking 100 Dollar Bills
1. What is the P-A-S method for checking bills?
Answer: P-A-S stands for Paper, Anti-Counterfeiting Features, and Security Features. It is a simple method to help identify counterfeit bills.
2. What should I look for in the paper of a $100 bill?
Answer: The paper should be crisp and firm with embedded security threads that glow a certain color under UV light.
3. What are the anti-counterfeiting features on a $100 bill?
Answer: These include a 3D security ribbon that moves when tilted, a watermark of Benjamin Franklin that is visible when held up to light, and color-shifting ink that changes from green to black.
4. What are the security features on a $100 bill?
Answer: These include a fine line print around the portrait, a microscopic imprint of "USA 100" along the edge, and a bill-sized security thread woven into the paper.
5. How do I check the security thread?
Answer: Hold the bill up to the light and look for the embedded thread. It should glow a specific color under UV light.
6. What should I do if I suspect a bill is counterfeit?
Answer: Do not spend or accept the bill. Report it to the U.S. Secret Service or your local law enforcement agency immediately.
7. Where can I find more information about $100 bill security features?
Answer: You can visit the U.S. Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing website or the U.S. Secret Service website.
8. What are the consequences of using or accepting a counterfeit bill?
Answer: It is a federal crime to knowingly pass or accept a counterfeit bill. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment.
9. How often are $100 bills redesigned?
Answer: The design of $100 bills is typically updated every 7-10 years to incorporate new security features and deter counterfeiting.
10. What is a "supernote"?
Answer: A "supernote" is a highly sophisticated counterfeit bill that is difficult to detect even by experts. It is recommended to always use a bill checker or consult an expert if you are unsure about the authenticity of a bill.
