How to Tell if a $100 Bill is Real
1. Feel the Bill
A simple and effective way to check if a $100 bill is real is to feel it. Genuine U.S. currency is printed on a special type of paper that feels distinctively different from regular paper. The paper used in real bills has a unique texture and is slightly rough to the touch. Run your fingers over the bill to detect the raised printing and the texture of the paper.
2. Examine the Security Thread
The $100 bill includes a security thread embedded within the paper. Hold the bill up to the light to see if the thread is visible. On the $100 bill, the security thread is located to the left of the portrait and should be slightly to the right of the middle when the bill is held up to light. It should appear as a thin, metallic stripe running vertically through the bill.
3. Check the Watermark
Another way to verify the authenticity of a $100 bill is to look at the watermark. Hold the bill up to the light and look for a watermark of Benjamin Franklin's portrait. This watermark is visible from both sides of the bill and should match the portrait on the front of the bill.
4. Look for Color-Shifting Ink
The $100 bill uses color-shifting ink on the lower right corner of the front side. Tilt the bill and watch as the color in this area shifts from copper to green. This ink is designed to change color when viewed from different angles, adding an extra layer of security.
5. Inspect the Microprinting
Microprinting is another feature used to combat counterfeiting. On the $100 bill, tiny text can be found in various locations, such as around the portrait and within the security thread. Use a magnifying glass to check these areas. Genuine bills will have crisp, clear microprinting, whereas counterfeit bills often have blurry or distorted text.
6. Use a UV Light
Counterfeiters often have difficulty replicating the UV features present in real currency. Use a UV light to check for the security features that only appear under ultraviolet light. The $100 bill has a glowing security thread that becomes visible under UV light. Additionally, the bill has other UV-sensitive features that should light up when exposed to a UV light source.
7. Check the Raised Printing
The $100 bill has raised printing in certain areas that can be felt by touch. Run your fingers over the portrait and the "100" in the lower right corner. The raised printing should be easily detectable and gives the bill a unique texture compared to flat printed areas.
8. Examine the Fine Lines
The $100 bill contains fine lines that are difficult to reproduce accurately. Under a magnifying glass, these lines should be clear and distinct. Look for the intricate line patterns, especially in the background and near the portrait, which should appear clean and precise on genuine bills.
9. Compare with a Known Genuine Bill
One of the simplest ways to verify the authenticity of a $100 bill is to compare it with a known genuine bill. Place the suspect bill next to a genuine $100 bill and examine the differences in color, print quality, and security features. Counterfeit bills often differ in subtle but noticeable ways from authentic ones.
10. Use a Counterfeit Detection Pen
A counterfeit detection pen is a tool that can help determine the authenticity of a $100 bill. These pens use iodine to test the paper's composition. Genuine currency paper does not react to the iodine, while counterfeit paper may turn dark or have an unusual reaction.
11. Seek Professional Help
If you are still unsure about the authenticity of a $100 bill, seek help from a professional or visit your local bank. Banks have specialized equipment and trained personnel who can verify the authenticity of currency.
In summary, while counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated, using a combination of these methods can help ensure that your $100 bill is genuine. Regularly practicing these checks will help you become more adept at identifying counterfeit bills and protecting yourself from fraud.
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