Here are some key ways to check if an old $100 bill is counterfeit:
1. Feel the Paper Genuine bills use special paper that feels crisp and slightly rough, not smooth or waxy.
2. Look for Watermark Hold the bill up to the light and look for a faint image of Benjamin Franklin on the right side that’s visible from both sides.
3. Security Thread There should be a thin embedded strip running vertically to the left of Franklin’s portrait, visible under light, with “USA 100” printed on it.
4. Color-Shifting Ink Tilt the bill and check the “100” in the lower right corner; it should shift from copper to green.
5. Microprinting Use a magnifying glass to see tiny text on the bill, like “USA 100” around Franklin’s portrait and other areas.
6. Raised Printing Run your finger over the bill; the printing should feel raised and not flat.
7. Serial Numbers Verify the serial numbers are evenly spaced and match the color of the Treasury Seal.
If your bill fails any of these tests, it might be counterfeit. For older series bills (pre-2009), some features may differ, so it’s good to compare with a known genuine bill or use a counterfeit detector pen.
Here are some key ways to check if an old $100 bill is counterfeit:
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Genuine bills use special paper that feels crisp and slightly rough, not smooth or waxy.
2. Look for Watermark
Hold the bill up to the light and look for a faint image of Benjamin Franklin on the right side that’s visible from both sides.
3. Security Thread
There should be a thin embedded strip running vertically to the left of Franklin’s portrait, visible under light, with “USA 100” printed on it.
4. Color-Shifting Ink
Tilt the bill and check the “100” in the lower right corner; it should shift from copper to green.
5. Microprinting
Use a magnifying glass to see tiny text on the bill, like “USA 100” around Franklin’s portrait and other areas.
6. Raised Printing
Run your finger over the bill; the printing should feel raised and not flat.
7. Serial Numbers
Verify the serial numbers are evenly spaced and match the color of the Treasury Seal.
If your bill fails any of these tests, it might be counterfeit. For older series bills (pre-2009), some features may differ, so it’s good to compare with a known genuine bill or use a counterfeit detector pen.