You’ve probably held one hundreds of times without really looking at it. That crisp, blue-ribboned Benjamin is a marvel of engineering, yet most people couldn't tell you more than two facts about it. Honestly, it’s kinda wild how we carry around what is essentially a high-tech computer chip made of cotton and linen and barely notice the "magic" happening on the surface.
The "newest" 100 dollar bill isn't actually that new—it was released way back in 2013. But if you're waiting for a fresh version, you’re going to be waiting a while. The Federal Reserve isn't planning a major redesign of the $100 note until around 2034. For now, the "blue Benji" is the king of the wallet, and it’s packed with secrets that most counterfeiters still can't get right.
Why the Blue Ribbon Moves (and Why It’s Not Just a Sticker)
If you have a 100 dollar bill on you, take it out. Look at that blue 3D Security Ribbon. It’s not printed on the paper. Seriously. It’s woven through the fibers.
When you tilt the bill back and forth, you’ll see bells and the number "100" shifting. If you tilt it vertically, they move horizontally. If you move it side to side, they move up and down. This happens because of nearly a million "micro-lenses" embedded in the ribbon. It’s the kind of tech that makes the bill cost about 14 cents to produce—nearly double the cost of a five-dollar bill.
The Bell in the Inkwell Trick
Right next to Ben Franklin’s shoulder, there’s a copper inkwell. Inside that inkwell is a bell. If you tilt the bill, that bell changes from copper to green. This isn't just a cool color-shifting effect; it’s designed to make the bell appear to "disappear" and "reappear" within the inkwell itself.
It's one of those things you sorta have to see to believe.
Most people think checking for a fake is all about the "counterfeit pen." But here’s the truth: those pens are mostly useless. They just react to the starch in wood-based paper. Professional counterfeiters often "bleach" lower denominations like $5 bills and print $100 designs on top of them. The pen will say it's real because the paper is real. To catch a fake, you’ve got to look at the features that are physically part of the bill’s structure.
The Secret Texture of Benjamin's Shoulder
Run your fingernail across Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder on the left side of the bill. It should feel rough. That’s "intaglio" printing. It’s a process where the paper is pressed with immense force—between 7,500 and 15,000 pounds per square inch—into engraved plates. This creates a raised texture that’s almost impossible for a standard laser or inkjet printer to replicate.
The ink itself is a top-secret recipe. We know the paper is 75% cotton and 25% linen, but the exact chemical makeup of the "swamp green" ink on the back remains one of the Treasury's most guarded secrets.
Symbols of Independence Hidden in Plain Sight
The newest 100 dollar bill isn't just about security; it's a history lesson.
- There’s a large gold "100" on the back to help people with visual impairments.
- Phrases from the Declaration of Independence are printed in tiny script to the right of Franklin.
- The American flag is subtly integrated into the background.
When Is the Next One Coming?
The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing follows a strict schedule for redesigning money. They do it to stay ahead of digital scanners and AI-powered printers. According to the Advanced Counterfeit Deterrence (ACD) Steering Committee, the $10 bill is up for a refresh in 2026. After that, we’ll see a new $50 in 2028 and a new $20 in 2030.
The $100 bill is the last on the list.
The 2034 version will likely include even more complex features, possibly using polymer elements or light-reactive inks we haven't even dreamed of yet. But until then, the 2013 series remains the standard.
Actionable Tips for Spotting a Fake
If you’re ever handed a $100 bill and something feels "off," don't reach for a pen. Do these three things instead:
1. The Light Test
Hold the bill up to a bright light. Look for the watermark of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space on the right. It should look exactly like the main portrait. Also, look for the security thread on the left. It’s a thin vertical strip that says "USA 100."
2. The UV Glow
If you have access to a blacklight (UV light), the security thread should glow bright pink. If it doesn't glow, or if it glows a different color, it's a fake.
3. The Tilt Check
Focus on the 100 in the bottom right corner. It should shift from copper to green. If it’s just a flat, sparkly ink that doesn't clearly change color, give it back.
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The Federal Reserve says only about 0.01% of currency in circulation is counterfeit. That sounds low, but when you realize there are billions of notes out there, that’s still a lot of fake cash. Knowing these features doesn't just make you look smart—it protects your pocketbook.
To stay updated on currency changes, you can monitor the official U.S. Currency Education Program website or check with the Federal Reserve's annual print orders to see how many new notes are entering the system this year.