How can you tell if an old $100 bill is counterfeit?

Please share your answer in the answers box below. Your help can support others with the same question.

Comments

  1. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Here’s another way to check if an old $100 bill is counterfeit:

    Check the Portrait
    The portrait of Benjamin Franklin should be clear, detailed, and appear slightly raised (you can feel the texture). Counterfeit bills often have flat or blurry portraits.

    Inspect the Borders and Edges
    Genuine bills have clean, sharp edges and fine, intricate border details. Fake bills might have uneven borders or missing details.

    Look for the Red and Blue Fibers
    Real bills have tiny red and blue fibers embedded in the paper—not just printed on the surface.

    Use a UV Light
    Even older bills have some security features visible under ultraviolet light, such as specific threads or fibers glowing.

    Check the Serial Numbers
    Make sure the serial numbers are consistent in font, color, and spacing. They should also match each other exactly.

    Examine the Federal Reserve and Treasury Seals
    These seals should be sharp, distinct, and not blurry or faded.

    If you have an old bill, comparing it side-by-side with a genuine bill of the same series year can really help spot differences.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment