You’re standing at a checkout counter, and the cashier hands you back a hundred-dollar bill. It feels... weird. A little too crisp, maybe? The colors are popping in a way that feels more like a "Monopoly" game than the cold, hard cash you remember from the nineties.
Honestly, if you haven’t looked closely at a "new" Benjamin lately, you’re in for a surprise. While the 2013 redesign isn't exactly "brand new" anymore, it remains the current standard across the globe. And guess what? The U.S. government is already prepping for the next wave of changes, with a redesigned $100 note officially on the schedule for 2034, preceded by a new $10 bill in 2026.
But let’s stick to what’s in your wallet right now. Understanding what do new 100 bills look like is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about knowing the difference between a real C-note and a very expensive piece of scrap paper.
The Visual Overhaul: It’s Not Just Green Anymore
The first thing you’ll notice about the current $100 bill is the color. Gone are the days of the monochromatic "greenback." The new notes have a subtle, pale blue background. It’s a soft hue that actually makes the other security features stand out more.
Then there’s Big Ben himself. Benjamin Franklin is still the face of the bill, obviously. However, he’s no longer trapped inside that oval frame. His portrait is larger, shifted slightly to the left, and has a level of detail that’s honestly kind of incredible when you get it under a magnifying glass.
Symbols of Liberty
To the right of the portrait, you’ll see American icons. There’s a large, golden quill and phrases from the Declaration of Independence. But the real showstopper is the copper-colored inkwell.
Inside that inkwell is a "Bell in the Inkwell." If you tilt the bill, that bell changes from copper to green. This isn't just a cool trick; it's a massive headache for counterfeiters. The effect makes the bell appear and disappear within the inkwell as you move the paper.
The 3-D Security Ribbon: The Blue Stripe
If you’re wondering what do new 100 bills look like from across the room, it’s that bright blue vertical stripe that gives it away.
This isn't printed on the bill. It’s woven into the paper.
How to test the ribbon:
- Tilt the bill back and forth: Look at the blue ribbon. You’ll see images of bells and the number 100.
- Watch the movement: When you tilt the note back and forth, the bells and 100s move side to side.
- The Counter-Intuitive Move: If you tilt the note side to side, the images move up and down.
It feels like magic, but it’s actually thousands of micro-lenses doing the heavy lifting. It’s nearly impossible to replicate with a standard printer.
Texture and "The Feel"
We’ve all done the "fingernail scratch" test. Real U.S. currency is printed using a process called intaglio. Basically, the ink is pressed onto the paper with so much force (we're talking tons of pressure) that it leaves a raised texture.
On the new $100, run your finger along Ben Franklin’s shoulder. It should feel rough, almost like a file. If it’s smooth as a laser-printed photo, you’ve got a problem. The paper itself is a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen, which is why a real bill survives a trip through the washing machine while a fake one turns into mush.
Security Features You Can’t See at First Glance
Some of the best ways to verify a bill involve holding it up to the light.
The Watermark
To the right of the large portrait, there’s a blank space. Hold it up to a lamp. A faint image of Benjamin Franklin should appear in that space. It’s visible from both sides because it’s actually embedded in the paper fibers, not printed on the surface.
The Security Thread
Look to the left of the portrait. You’ll see a thin vertical thread embedded in the paper. It has "USA" and "100" printed on it in an alternating pattern.
Pro tip: If you have access to a blacklight (UV light), that little thread will glow a bright, unmistakable pink.
The "FW" Mark: Where Was It Made?
Ever notice two tiny letters, "FW," in the top left corner of the front? That stands for Fort Worth. If your bill has it, it was printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing facility in Texas. If it doesn't, it was born in Washington, D.C. Neither is more valuable than the other, but it's a fun bit of trivia to impress people at parties. Or at least at the bank.
Why Do They Keep Changing the Design?
The short answer: The "Bad Guys" are getting better.
With high-res digital scanners and advanced inkjet printers, old-school bills are too easy to fake. The Treasury Department plans these redesigns years—sometimes decades—in advance. As mentioned earlier, while the 2013 series is the current "new" look, the government has already confirmed a Series 2026 rollout for other denominations to stay ahead of the curve.
For the $100, we likely won't see a massive visual shift until 2034, but smaller "series" updates (like changing the signatures of the Treasurer or Secretary of the Treasury) happen more frequently.
Spotting a Fake: A Quick Checklist
If you're ever suspicious, don't just rely on a counterfeit pen. Those pens only detect the chemical composition of the paper, and "bleached" bills (where a $1 is washed and reprinted as a $100) can fool them.
Instead, use the Feel, Tilt, Check method:
💡 You might also like: G and J African Market: What Most People Get Wrong About Shopping Authentic
- Feel: Is the printing raised? Does the paper feel like fabric?
- Tilt: Does the Bell in the Inkwell change color? Do the images in the blue ribbon move?
- Check: Is the watermark visible? Does the security thread glow pink under UV light?
Actionable Steps for Handling Cash
If you handle a lot of cash for business or just want to be safe, here is what you should actually do:
- Stop relying solely on pens. They aren't foolproof. Invest 10 seconds in checking the 3-D ribbon instead.
- Compare notes. If you have a suspicious bill, hold it up next to one you know is real. The differences in "blurriness" on the fine lines around the borders are usually the biggest giveaway.
- Check the "100" in the corner. The large gold "100" on the back of the bill is designed to help people with visual impairments, but it's also a great way to quickly identify the denomination. On the front, the bottom right "100" should shift from copper to green just like the bell.
- Know your history. Remember that all U.S. currency remains legal tender. You don't have to trade in older "small head" or "large head" hundreds, but knowing what the newest ones look like helps you spot the fakes trying to pass as modern currency.
The next time someone hands you a hundred, take a second. Look at the blue ribbon. Watch the bell turn green. It’s a pretty impressive piece of tech you’re holding.