The Face of the $100 Bill: Benjamin Franklin and Ulysses S. Grant
The $100 bill is one of the most widely recognized and widely used currencies in the world. But have you ever wondered whose faces adorn the obverse (front side) of this iconic bill? The answer is Benjamin Franklin and Ulysses S. Grant.
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, is featured on the obverse of the $100 bill. Franklin was a polymath and a leading figure in the Enlightenment. He was a scientist, writer, printer, musician, and inventor, and his contributions to American history are immeasurable.
Franklin's image on the $100 bill is based on a famous portrait of him painted by Joseph-Siffred Duplessis in 1785. The portrait is known for its realism and captures Franklin's intelligence, wit, and benevolence. Franklin's face has been on the $100 bill since 1913, making him one of the most enduring figures on American currency.
Ulysses S. Grant
On the reverse (back side) of the $100 bill, you'll find an image of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. Grant was a prominent military leader during the American Civil War and is credited with leading the Union Army to victory.
Grant's image on the $100 bill is based on a portrait of him taken in 1868, shortly after he was elected president. The portrait is a testament to Grant's strength and leadership, and it has been a part of the $100 bill design since 1963.
Security Features
The $100 bill is known for its advanced security features, which make it difficult to counterfeit. Some of the features include:
- 3-D Security Ribbon: A woven strip that runs down the center of the bill, featuring images of Liberty Bells and 100s.
- Bell in the Inkwell: A copper-colored inkwell on the back of the bill, which contains a tiny Liberty Bell that appears and disappears when the bill is tilted.
- Microprinting: Tiny text that reads "USA 100" and "ONE HUNDRED USA" on the borders of the bill.
- Color-Shifting 100: The numeral "100" in the lower right corner of the bill changes from copper to green when tilted.
These advanced security features make the $100 bill one of the most secure currencies in the world, and they help to protect against counterfeiting.
Conclusion
The $100 bill is an iconic symbol of American currency, and the faces of Benjamin Franklin and Ulysses S. Grant are an integral part of its design. From its advanced security features to its rich history, the $100 bill is a testament to American ingenuity and leadership.
