Historical evolution: how the $100 bills were modified more than 100 years ago

It is normal that official organizations in the United States tend to redesign the dollar bills with the aim of strengthening security measures and making the task of counterfeiters more difficult. The Federal Reserve, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which belongs to the Treasury Department, the Secret Service and the Advanced Counterfeiting Deterrence Steering Committee participate in this process.

It should be noted that all US dollar bills issued from 1914 to date are valid. Therefore, they should have exactly the nominal value that they represent, although it is true that in our country the value of older specimens is usually reduced.

This is how the 100 bill changed from 1914 to the present

The first $100 bill was issued in 1914. and it lasted until 1990, but underwent a change in size in 1929. From 1990 to 1996, details were added to the sides of the portrait of Benjamin Franklin.

And starting in 1996, security measures increased, although the ticket considered the safest of all is the one after 2013, which continues to be issued today.

100 dollar bill issued from 1914 to 1990

In 1914, the first $100 Federal Reserve bill was issued. It measures 7.375 x 3.125 inches and has a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and a vignette of figures representing work, plenty, peace, commerce and America on the reverse. In 1929 its size was reduced to 6.14 x 2.61 inches.

From 1990 to 1996

Starting this year, fundamental details were included for the security measures that are still used today. Firstly the Security Thread to the left of the Franklin portrait, and secondly the microprint details, which show in small size the phrase “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the outer edge of the oval frame of the portrait.

1996 to 2013

From that year on, Franklin’s portrait was enlarged, the Federal Reserve seal was included on its left, and the watermark visible on both sides of the bill if exposed to the backlight on its right.

2014 to present

Starting in 2014, new security measures were included, the visible 3D security band that runs through the middle of the bill, just to the right of the portrait, which was moved further to the left. The oval enclosing Franklin’s image was removed. An inkwell with a bell inside whose ink is metallic and changes color was added and the same methodology was used to paint the number 100 in the lower right corner of the front of the bill. In addition to the addition of new microprinting details, making it the most secure bill today.