This week, brand new $100 bills have started circulating. But have you ever wondered what all those little symbols on your $100 bills mean? Let’s dive into the details!
The U.S. government updates its currency designs every few years to prevent counterfeiting. Although fake U.S. money is quite rare, with only about one fake note in every 10,000, it’s still important to stay ahead of counterfeiters. In the past, there have been reports of nearly perfect fake $100 bills, known as “super notes,” allegedly from North Korea. Even a British gang was caught making millions of dollars in fake bills in the early 2000s.
The latest $100 bill includes two major security features to help people easily identify real bills. First, there’s a blue 3D ribbon with images of bells and the number 100. Second, there’s a bell inside an inkwell that changes color. These features are designed to be easy for anyone to check, not just experts.
Besides security, the new design includes elements of U.S. history. Benjamin Franklin’s portrait remains on the bill. Did you know he’s one of only two non-presidents on U.S. paper money? The other is Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill. If you hold the bill up to the light, you’ll see another image of Franklin on the right side. There are also tiny words printed on his jacket collar and phrases from the Declaration of Independence next to his portrait. Large gold 100s are also included to help those with visual impairments recognize the bill.
Currency design has always fascinated people, leading to various theories about the symbols on the bills. Some even involve conspiracy theories, which once led to an official response from the Freemasons of America. However, the main goal of these designs is to make counterfeiting difficult while keeping the bills visually appealing.
These new $100 bills are not just about security; they also tell a story of American history and identity. Have you come across one of these new bills yet? Share your experience with us in the comments or on Twitter @DNews. Thanks for reading, and stay curious!
Imagine you are tasked with designing a new bill for your country. Think about the security features, historical figures, and symbols you would include. Create a drawing or digital design of your bill and write a short paragraph explaining your choices. Share your design with the class and discuss the importance of each element.
Learn how to spot counterfeit money by examining real and fake currency samples. Work in groups to identify the security features discussed in the article, such as the 3D ribbon and color-changing bell. Discuss why these features are effective and brainstorm additional features that could be added to future bills.
Research Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton, the two non-presidents featured on U.S. paper money. Create a presentation or poster highlighting their contributions to American history and why they were chosen for this honor. Present your findings to the class and discuss the impact of their work on modern society.
Investigate the symbols and phrases found on the new $100 bill. Choose one symbol or phrase and research its historical significance. Write a short essay or create a video explaining its meaning and why it was included on the bill. Share your work with the class and explore the diverse meanings behind currency symbols.
Participate in a class debate about the future of paper money in a digital world. Consider the pros and cons of physical currency versus digital transactions. Prepare arguments for both sides and engage in a structured debate. Reflect on how changes in currency design and technology might impact society in the future.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Brand new $100 bills hit the streets this week. So, what do all those little symbols on your $100 bills mean? Hey, everyone! This is Annie for DNews. Newly redesigned $100 bills went into circulation this week, though it might be a little while before you actually see one. Depending on how often you come into contact with $100 bills in general—perhaps you’re a bank teller, for example—you may have already seen one. Either way, when you do, you’ll notice a number of changes meant to enhance the security of the bill.
As some background, counterfeit U.S. currency is relatively rare. In 2003, the U.S. Department of Treasury estimated $70 million worth of counterfeit U.S. cash in circulation worldwide, which accounts for about one out of every 10,000 notes. However, it’s not unheard of, and hundreds are among the most valuable fakes. You might remember reports from several years ago about so-called super notes, which were near-perfect $100 fakes that were rumored to come from North Korea. In the early 2000s, a British gang was charged with printing millions of dollars worth of high-quality fakes as well.
Every few years, the U.S. adds new security features to stay ahead of the curve. In this version, there are two: a blue 3D ribbon with images of bells and 100s, and a color-changing bell in an inkwell. Both are meant to be user-friendly, allowing average people to easily verify that the bill is real. Apart from those two changes, there are several design updates that incorporate bits of U.S. history and identity. The most notable feature is Benjamin Franklin, who is one of two non-U.S. presidents whose image appears on paper currency, the other being Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill.
If you hold the bill up to the light, you’ll see a second image of Benjamin Franklin on the right. Other details include tiny printed words on his jacket collar and phrases from the Declaration of Independence to the right of the portrait. Additionally, on the front and back, you’ll see large gold 100s to help the visually impaired recognize the bills.
Currency design has attracted a lot of intrigue over the years, with persistent theories related to symbols on the back of the bills and various conspiracy theories. This theory was so persistent that it once prompted an official response from the Freemasons of America. Ultimately, all these details come down to making it as difficult as possible to forge, while also being visually appealing. It’s money, after all.
For more on how money makes the world go round, be sure to check out Trace’s episode on the real value of paper currency. Have you seen one of these new bills out in the wild yet? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter @DNews. As always, thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you next time.
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This version removes informal language and maintains a professional tone while preserving the essential information.
Currency – A system of money in general use in a particular country. – The currency of the United States is the dollar, which is used for buying goods and services.
Security – Measures taken to protect against theft or fraud, especially in financial contexts. – Banks use advanced security features to ensure that online transactions are safe from hackers.
Design – The process of planning and creating something with a specific function or appearance. – The design of the new banknotes includes holograms to prevent counterfeiting.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Learning about the history of the Great Depression helps us understand economic challenges today.
Bills – Paper money used as a medium of exchange. – The government decided to issue new bills with updated security features to prevent counterfeiting.
Counterfeit – Made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud. – The authorities seized a large amount of counterfeit money that was being circulated in the market.
Features – Distinctive attributes or aspects of something. – The new smartphone has several innovative features that make it popular among teenagers.
America – A continent in the Western Hemisphere, also commonly referring to the United States of America. – America experienced significant economic growth during the 20th century, becoming a global superpower.
Independence – The state of being free from outside control or not subject to another’s authority. – The Declaration of Independence was a pivotal document in American history, marking the country’s freedom from British rule.
Franklin – Referring to Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States known for his contributions to science, politics, and diplomacy. – Benjamin Franklin’s face appears on the hundred-dollar bill, symbolizing his importance in American history.
