Rare Facts About a $100 Bill You Didn’t Know About
The $100 bill is more than just a common piece of paper currency. It is the highest denomination still in circulation and one of the most recognized banknotes around the globe. Known as “Benjamins” or “C-notes,” it carries not only financial weight but also layers of history, technology, and cultural meaning. Beyond the familiar portrait of Benjamin Franklin, this bill hides intriguing facts that few people know.
We uncover lesser-known details about the US 100 dollar bill, from its unique production methods to its surprising role in global economics.
The Most Expensive Bill to Print
One of the lesser-known facts about the $100 bill is that it is the most expensive U.S. note to produce. Unlike the $1 bill, which costs about 2.8 cents to print, the $100 note requires far more advanced techniques. Depending on the series, its production cost ranges from 8.6 to 15.4 cents per bill.
What makes it so costly? The sophisticated security features. These include:
A 3D blue security ribbon, woven into the paper instead of printed.
A disappearing bell inside an inkwell, visible only at certain angles.
Complex microprinting around Franklin’s portrait and other areas of the note.
These elements do not just add to production costs—they make counterfeiting extremely difficult.
Feel the History: The Raised Printing You Can Touch
Beyond what the eye can see, the $100 bill also engages the sense of touch. If you run your finger over Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder or parts of the text, you’ll notice a raised texture. This is created by intaglio printing, a traditional process where designs are engraved onto metal plates. When inked and pressed onto paper under high pressure, the result is a slightly elevated surface.
This technique serves two important purposes:
Authenticity Check: The raised ink provides a tactile feature that helps people confirm a note is genuine.
Artistic Detail: The method produces rich, detailed designs that stand out visually and can endure decades of use.
Designed for Accessibility
Another little-known fact about the $100 bill is its consideration for people with visual impairments. Large “100” numerals are printed on the back in bold font, making the denomination easy to identify by those with limited vision.
This thoughtful design choice reflects the broader goal of ensuring U.S. currency remains inclusive. Accessibility in design is not just a modern concern but an integral part of making sure all citizens can use money confidently in daily life.
The Bill That Dominates Circulation
Since 1969, the $100 bill has held the position of the highest denomination still in circulation in the United States. Larger bills such as the $500, $1,000, and even $10,000 notes were discontinued, leaving Franklin’s portrait as the face of the most powerful paper currency in daily use.
What makes this fact even more remarkable is the bill’s dominance in overall value. Roughly 77% of the total value of all U.S. currency exists in the form of $100 bills. Much of that supply never even touches American soil again once it leaves the country. In many parts of the world, the $100 bill serves as a preferred form of savings, trusted more than local banknotes. For individuals in unstable economies, holding a “Benjamin” can feel like holding financial security itself.
This unusual global role means the U.S. effectively enjoys an interest-free loan from the world. When billions of dollars’ worth of $100 notes are stored in safes and mattresses abroad, that money stays in circulation without ever being cashed back in, giving the Treasury a quiet advantage.
The Blue Security Ribbon: A Modern Marvel
Among the most eye-catching features of the 2013 series redesign is the wide blue security ribbon woven vertically into the note. Unlike older features that were printed on the surface, this ribbon is physically embedded in the paper. Its details are as fascinating as they are effective.
Dynamic Movement: Tilt the bill and watch the bells transform into “100s” as they appear to slide across the ribbon.
3D Effect: The ribbon itself isn’t holographic—it’s woven in layers that create motion illusions under natural light.
Ease of Verification: Cashiers and collectors can quickly confirm authenticity without special equipment.
This feature has become one of the strongest defenses against counterfeiters, who cannot reproduce its layered construction with standard printing tools. For collectors, the ribbon also represents a piece of technology that reflects how far U.S. currency design has come.
Franklin’s Unique Role in the U.S. Currency
Unlike most denominations that feature past presidents, the $100 bill honors Benjamin Franklin—a Founding Father who never served in the Oval Office. Franklin’s life story made him an ideal figure for this prestigious role.
Inventor and Scientist: From the lightning rod to bifocals, Franklin’s innovations shaped everyday life.
Diplomat: His work in securing French support during the Revolutionary War was crucial for American independence.
Philosopher and Writer: His essays, wit, and wisdom helped define the values of early America.
Only one other non-president appears on U.S. currency: Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill. Franklin’s inclusion on the $100 makes the note stand out as a tribute not just to political leadership but also to intellectual and cultural achievement.
The $100 Bill as a Global Loan
Perhaps the most surprising fact about the $100 bill is its role in international finance. A large percentage of these notes are held outside the United States. In countries with volatile currencies, the $100 bill acts as a store of value—reliable, portable, and trusted across borders.
When these bills circulate abroad and never return to the U.S., they essentially provide the government with an interest-free loan. Trillions of dollars are locked in safes, wallets, and financial systems worldwide, offering stability to individuals and nations while silently benefiting the American economy. It’s an unintended but powerful side effect of the bill’s global reputation.
Coin ID Scanner App: A Collector’s Digital Ally
For those fascinated by currency, the $100 bill often sparks curiosity about the broader world of collectibles. Coins in particular present an endless field of discovery, but identifying and cataloging them can be a challenge. That’s where technology lends a hand.
The Coin ID Scanner app has become an essential companion for numismatists and hobbyists. By snapping a photo or uploading an image, users can instantly identify a coin and receive a detailed digital card that includes:
Years of minting
Country of origin
Coin type and edge style
Composition, diameter, and weight
Current market price
With a database of more than 187,000 coins, the app covers a vast range of global issues. Premium users gain access to smart filters, making it easy to sort by rarity, metal, or period. Perhaps most valuable is the digital collection management tool, which helps collectors build a neatly organized archive of their finds. The AI Coin Helper speeds up identification, ensuring that coins don’t remain mysteries for long.
In many ways, the app embodies the same detective-like curiosity found in studying the $100 bill. Both invite us to look closer, notice the small details, and appreciate the blend of history and design hidden in everyday currency.
Beyond Paper Money
The $100 bill is far more than a piece of paper with Franklin’s face. It is a canvas of history, technology, and economics. From its raised textures and security ribbons to its role as a global store of value, the bill tells stories that most people never realize. It is also a reminder of how money, in all its forms, reflects ingenuity and trust.
For collectors and enthusiasts, exploring those stories often leads beyond paper into the world of coins. Tools like the Coin ID Scanner app make that exploration easier, helping hobbyists identify, value, and organize their collections with precision.
Ultimately, the $100 bill shows us that currency is not just about transactions—it is about discovery. And for anyone willing to look closer, every detail holds a clue to something bigger.
