The $100 Bill: A Symbol of American Prosperity
The $100 bill is one of the most widely recognized and widely used currencies in the world. It is a symbol of American prosperity and a testament to the country's rich economic history. In this article, we will delve into the history of the $100 bill, its design, security features, and interesting facts about this iconic currency.
History of the $100 Bill
The first $100 bill was introduced in 1862, during the American Civil War. At that time, the bill featured a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Over the years, the design of the bill has undergone several changes, with the most significant change occurring in 1963, when the bill was redesigned to feature a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Design of the $100 Bill
The current design of the $100 bill features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse (front side) and an image of Independence Hall in Philadelphia on the reverse (back side). The bill also features a variety of security threads, watermarks, and color-shifting ink to prevent counterfeiting.
Security Features:
- 3-D Security Ribbon: A woven strip that runs from the top to the bottom of the bill, featuring images of 100s and Liberty Bells.
- Bell in the Inkwell: A copper-colored bell that changes to a green Liberty Bell when tilted.
- Color-Shifting 100: The numeral "100" in the lower right corner of the bill changes from copper to green when tilted.
Interesting Facts About the $100 Bill
- Longest-Lived Currency: The $100 bill has been in circulation for over 150 years, making it the longest-lived currency in the world.
- Most Widely Held Currency: The $100 bill is the most widely held currency in the world, with over 8 billion bills in circulation.
- High-Denomination Currency: The $100 bill is one of the highest-denomination currencies in the world, with only a few countries issuing higher denominations.
Conclusion
The $100 bill is an iconic symbol of American prosperity and a testament to the country's rich economic history. With its rich design, advanced security features, and widespread use, the $100 bill is a currency that is recognized and respected around the world.
