If you want to avoid unpleasant surprises with American dollars, you need to keep this in mind. With the advancement of technology and forgery techniques, U.S. government authorities have intensified their efforts to explain how to verify if a dollar bill is genuine or counterfeit.
They emphasize 5 essential steps for verification. Although the $100 bill is the most targeted due to its high value, the characteristics are generally the same from the $5 bill onwards. Therefore, the security measures, while varying slightly in some features, are mostly similar.
Here are the five essential steps to verify a genuine dollar bill:
- Check the paper’s quality and texture.
- Inspect the watermark and security thread.
- Examine the color-shifting ink on the numbers.
- Look for microprinting details.
- Verify the 3D security ribbon on newer bills.
These measures ensure that you can confidently determine the authenticity of your U.S. currency and protect yourself from counterfeit money.
$100 Bill
Security Features of the 100-dollar Bill According to U.S. Authorities
To verify the authenticity of a $100 bill, follow these security measures recommended by U.S. authorities:
1. Tilt the Bill
When you tilt the bill, you can observe three distinctive security features:
- Color-Changing Number: The number “100” located at the edges of the bill changes color from copper to green.
- Color-Changing Bell: The bell in the inkwell to the right of Franklin’s portrait also changes color from copper to green.
- 3D Security Ribbon: The blue security ribbon to the right of Franklin’s portrait creates a visual effect where the bells and the number “100” move side to side.
2. Hold the Bill to the Light
By holding the bill up to the light, you can verify the remaining security features:
- Embedded Security Thread: The security thread should be visible from both sides of the bill when held to the light.
- Watermark: A watermark of Franklin’s portrait, which is nearly identical to the printed portrait, can be seen on the right side of the bill.
