A U.S. 100 dollar bill is a highly recognizable and iconic piece of American currency, featuring a distinctive design that sets it apart from other denominations. If you've ever wondered what a $100 bill looks like, let's delve into the details of this familiar yet fascinating note.
At first glance, the $100 bill is characterized by its large size, measuring 6.14 inches by 2.61 inches, making it the largest denomination in circulation. It's also one of the most secure, featuring numerous security features to protect it from counterfeiting.
Front Design Elements
The front of the $100 bill, known as the "obverse," is dominated by the portrait of the United States' first president, George Washington. His image has been a staple on U.S. currency since the early 1800s, and the $100 bill has borne his likeness since 1914.
Surrounding Washington's portrait are several intricate design elements. The words "The United States of America" and "One Hundred Dollars" are printed in large, bold letters, with the denomination also written out in words as "One Hundred and No/100" in smaller print. The note's serial number is located in the bottom left corner, with the year of issuance in the bottom right.
Security Features on the Front
The $100 bill incorporates several security features to help authenticate its legitimacy. One of the most prominent is the security thread, a thin, embedded strip that runs vertically on the right side of the note. When tilted, the thread reveals the words "USA 100" and a small flag, which changes color from copper to green.
Another security feature is the color-shifting ink used in the numeral "100" in the bottom right corner. When tilted, the color of the ink changes from copper to green, a feature that is difficult to replicate with conventional printing methods. Additionally, the portrait of Washington and the large "100" in the center of the note are printed with a special ink that glows under ultraviolet light, providing an extra layer of security.
Back Design Elements
The back of the $100 bill, or "reverse," features a striking image of the U.S. Treasury building in Washington, D.C. The building's intricate architecture is depicted in great detail, with the words "United States of America" and "One Hundred Dollars" printed in large, bold letters above and below the image, respectively.
The back of the note also includes several smaller design elements, such as the words "In God We Trust," the Latin motto "E Pluribus Unum," and the signatures of the current Secretary of the Treasury and the Treasurer of the United States.
Additional Security Features on the Back
The back of the $100 bill also incorporates several security features to help combat counterfeiting. One of the most notable is the color-shifting ink used in the numeral "100" in the bottom right corner, which changes color from copper to green when tilted, matching the color-shifting ink on the front of the note.
Another security feature is the presence of a watermark, which can be seen when the note is held up to light. The watermark, located in the bottom right corner, features the image of an eagle, which matches the image on the front of the note. Additionally, the note includes a security strip, located on the right side of the note, which contains microprinting and other security features that are difficult to replicate.
In conclusion, the U.S. 100 dollar bill is a complex and fascinating piece of currency, featuring a rich history and a wealth of security features designed to protect it from counterfeiting. Whether you're a collector, a history buff, or simply someone who's curious about the currency in your pocket, there's always more to discover about the humble $100 bill.