Pull a crisp C-note out of your wallet—if you're lucky enough to have one handy—and you’ll see those piercing eyes staring back. It’s Benjamin Franklin. But wait. Why? Most people assume every face on U.S. paper currency belongs to a former commander-in-chief. It’s a logical guess. Washington is on the single, Lincoln is on the five, and Jackson (for now) sits on the twenty. Yet, when you get to the big league, the high-denomination bill that everyone recognizes globally, you find a guy who never once resided in the White House.
The question of who on 100 dollar bill actually reveals a lot about what the United States values beyond just raw political power.
Franklin wasn't a president. Honestly, he didn't need the title. He was a scientist, a diplomat, a writer, and arguably the most famous person in the world during the 18th century. When the Treasury Department decided to put him on the $100 bill in 1914, they weren't just picking a random historical figure. They were choosing the man who literally "tamed" lightning and helped bankroll the American Revolution.
The Real Reason Ben Franklin Owns the $100 Bill
It’s about prestige. The $100 bill is the largest denomination currently in circulation. Sure, we used to have $500, $1,000, and even $100,000 bills (used for bank transfers), but for the average person, the "Benjamin" is the ceiling.
Franklin represents the American Dream in its purest, most "bootstrap" form. He started as a runaway apprentice in Philadelphia and ended up as a man who kings respected. The government wanted that specific energy on their most valuable note. It signals stability. It signals intellect. When you look at who on 100 dollar bill, you’re looking at the guy who basically invented the concept of the "Founding Father" as a celebrity.
He also had a weirdly specific connection to paper money. Long before he was on the bill, Franklin was printing it. His firm, Franklin and Hall, printed currency for the American colonies. He even used his own secret anti-counterfeiting techniques, like using actual leaf impressions because the vein patterns were too complex for thieves to forge. Talk about a full-circle moment.
✨ Don't miss: Why T. Pepin’s Hospitality Centre Still Dominates the Tampa Event Scene
Is he the only non-president?
Not quite, though he’s the most famous one. Alexander Hamilton is on the $10, and he was the first Secretary of the Treasury, but never the President. Salmon P. Chase was on the $10,000 bill, but you won't find those at an ATM today. So, Franklin and Hamilton are the "outsiders" in the current lineup.
Security Features: The Blue Ribbon and the Inkwell
If you haven't looked closely at a $100 bill printed after 2013, you're missing some seriously cool tech. It's not just a piece of paper. It's actually a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen. If you wash it, it doesn't fall apart like a receipt.
Look at the 3D Security Ribbon. It’s that blue vertical stripe. It’s not printed on the paper; it’s woven through it. If you tilt the bill, you’ll see bells change to 100s. It’s mesmerizing, honestly. Then there’s the "Bell in the Inkwell." Inside that copper-colored inkwell, there’s a green bell that shifts colors. This was a massive redesign meant to stay ahead of high-tech counterfeiters, specifically those overseas producing "supernotes."
Hidden Details You Probably Missed
- The Microprinting: If you have a magnifying glass, look at Franklin’s jacket collar. You’ll see the words "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" in tiny letters.
- The Watermark: Hold the bill up to a light. A faint image of Ben Franklin appears in the blank space to the right of the portrait. It’s visible from both sides.
- The Shoulder: In the 2013 redesign, the portrait doesn't sit in an oval anymore. Franklin's shoulder extends all the way to the edge. This allowed for a larger image with more detail, making it harder to replicate.
Why Do We Call Them "Benjamins"?
Pop culture did the heavy lifting here. From P. Diddy (then Puff Daddy) to every modern rap lyric, the "Benjamin" has become shorthand for wealth. It sounds better than "a hundred." It has a certain weight to it. When someone says "it's all about the Benjamins," they aren't talking about history; they're talking about the ultimate goal of the hustle.
But why Franklin? Why not Washington? Well, the $1 bill is everywhere. It’s common. The $100 is aspirational. Putting the "Founding Father of Thrift" on the most expensive bill is a bit ironic, considering Ben once said, "A penny saved is a penny earned." He probably wouldn't have loved the idea of people hoarding $100 bills under mattresses, but he would have definitely appreciated the printing quality.
🔗 Read more: Human DNA Found in Hot Dogs: What Really Happened and Why You Shouldn’t Panic
The Future of the 100 Dollar Bill
There has been a lot of talk lately about currency redesigns. You’ve probably heard about Harriet Tubman potentially replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. That move has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo for years. However, there is almost no talk about moving Franklin.
He’s safe.
The $100 bill is the most "exported" piece of American culture. According to Federal Reserve data, more than half of all $100 bills circulate outside of the U.S. In countries with unstable currencies, the $100 bill is the gold standard. People trust Ben Franklin's face. Changing it would cause a global headache that the Treasury Department isn't ready to deal with.
Common Myths About Franklin and the Bill
- "He was a President." Nope. He was Governor of Pennsylvania and a Minister to France, but he never sought the presidency.
- "The $100 bill is being phased out." False. While some economists want to get rid of it to stop money laundering, the Fed keeps printing them because demand is at an all-time high.
- "It’s made of paper." Like I mentioned earlier, it’s fabric. That’s why it feels "crisp" and doesn't get mushy in the rain.
Actionable Insights for Handling $100 Bills
If you’re dealing with $100 bills regularly, you need to know how to spot a fake without a fancy machine.
First, use the Fingertip Test. Run your nail across Franklin's shoulder. You should feel "raised printing." It’s a distinct texture that standard printers can't replicate. Second, look for the Color-Shifting Ink. The number "100" in the bottom right corner should change from copper to green when you tilt it.
💡 You might also like: The Gospel of Matthew: What Most People Get Wrong About the First Book of the New Testament
Finally, don't rely on those "counterfeit pens" exclusively. They only detect the chemical composition of the paper. Skilled counterfeiters sometimes "bleach" $5 bills and print $100s on them. The pen will say the paper is real, but the security ribbon and the watermark will still show Lincoln. Always hold it to the light.
Checking who on 100 dollar bill is the first step, but looking behind the man reveals the most secure piece of technology you probably carry in your pocket.
Keep an eye on the serial numbers. Every bill has a unique one. If you ever come across two bills with the exact same serial number, you’ve found a counterfeit—or a very valuable printing error. Most of the time, it's the former. Stay sharp, and treat your Benjamins with a bit of respect; the man on the bill literally helped invent the country that printed it.
Next Steps for the Curious:
- Check your wallet: Use a bright light to find the hidden "100" in the blue 3D ribbon.
- Compare eras: If you find an "old style" $100 (pre-1996) with the small oval portrait, keep it. They are becoming rarer as the Fed shreds them and replaces them with the "Big Head" Franklin.
- Verify at the bank: If you’re ever unsure about a bill you received in a private sale, any bank will verify it for you for free, though they are legally required to confiscate it if it's fake.