How do I check if a $100 bill is real?

Check the blue 3D security ribbon (tilt to see bells change to 100s), feel for raised printing on Franklin's shoulder, verify the color-shifting bell in inkwell changes copper to green, and hold to light to see watermark and security thread.

What $100 bills are most valuable?

1928 Gold Certificates ($500-$5,000+), 1928-1934 star notes ($300-$1,000+), any $100 with low serial numbers or fancy serial patterns, and pre-1929 large-size notes ($200-$10,000+).

Can I still use old $100 bills?

Yes. All U.S. currency ever issued remains legal tender. However, valuable older bills should be sold to collectors rather than spent at face value.

Why was the $100 bill redesigned in 2013?

To combat counterfeiting with advanced security features like the 3D security ribbon, technology that's extremely difficult to replicate. The $100 is heavily counterfeited internationally.

Published: January 6, 2025

Tool

Complete $100 Bill Guide

Identify hundred dollar bills, check security features, and discover valuable vintage notes.

Identifying Your $100 Bill Design

The $100 bill has undergone several major redesigns. Knowing which version you have is the first step to determining its value and authenticity.

Old $100 bills worth money Bureau of Engraving and Printing Old money value guide

2013-Present

Blue 3D security ribbon, color-shifting bell in inkwell, large portrait.

1996-2013

Large portrait, watermark, color-shifting 100, no 3D ribbon.

1990-1995

Security thread added, microprinting introduced.

1969-1990

Small portrait, no security features, still valid.

1929-1969

Small-size 'small head' notes. Collectible values.

Pre-1929

Large-size 'horse blanket' notes. High collector value.

$100 Bill Security Features (2013 Series)

The current $100 bill is the most technologically advanced U.S. currency ever printed. Here's what to look for to verify authenticity:

Counterfeit detection guide U.S. Currency Education Program

Blue 3D Security Ribbon

Woven into paper (not printed). Tilt to see bells shift to 100s.

Color-Shifting Bell

Bell in copper inkwell changes to green when tilted.

Watermark

Hold to light to see Franklin portrait and faint 100 on right side.

Security Thread

Vertical strip reads 'USA 100'. Glows pink under UV light.

Raised Printing

Feel Franklin's shoulder and 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.

Color-Shifting 100

Large gold 100 on back shifts to green when tilted.

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Old $100 Bill Values by Series

Older $100 bills can be worth significantly more than face value. Here are typical values based on series year and condition:

Old $100 bills worth money PCGS currency grading

Series	Type	Circulated Value	Uncirculated Value
1928	Gold Certificate	$200-$500	$1,000-$3,000+
1928	Federal Reserve	$120-$175	$300-$600
1934	Federal Reserve	$110-$140	$200-$400
1950	Federal Reserve	$105-$125	$150-$250
1963-1969	Federal Reserve	$100-$110	$120-$175
1974-1988	Federal Reserve	$100-$105	$110-$140
1990-1995	Federal Reserve	$100	$105-$115
1996-2006	Large Portrait	$100	$100-$110
2009-Present	Current Design	$100	$100-$105

Most Valuable $100 Bills

While most $100 bills are worth face value, certain varieties can be worth thousands. Here are the most sought-after types:

Rare dollar bills worth money Fancy serial number checker Star notes value guide

1928 Gold Certificate

Rare survivor; most were recalled. Worth $500-$5,000+.

1934 Star Notes

Replacement notes from this era are scarce. Worth $300-$1,000+.

Low Serial Numbers

Numbers under 00000100 add $500-$2,000 to any $100.

Fancy Serials

Solid, ladder, or radar serials on $100s are premium finds.

Printing Errors

Miscuts, double prints, or ink errors can be worth $200-$5,000.

Large-Size (Pre-1929)

Horse blanket $100s start around $200 and go to $10,000+.

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How to Spot a Fake $100 Bill

The $100 is the most counterfeited U.S. denomination outside the U.S. Use these quick checks to verify authenticity:

Full counterfeit detection guide Currency security features U.S. Currency Education Program

3D Ribbon Test

Move the bill. Bells should shift to 100s. Fakes can't replicate this.

Feel the Printing

Run fingernail across Franklin's shoulder. Real bills have ridges.

Tilt for Color Shift

Bell in inkwell and back 100 should change copper → green.

Light Test

Watermark should match portrait. Thread should read 'USA 100'.

UV Light Check

Security thread glows pink. Absence means counterfeit.

Features

How CashScan Helps With $100 Bill

Instant Identification

Scan any $100 bill to identify its series year instantly.

Security Verification

Learn about the 3D security ribbon and color-shifting bell.

Vintage Detection

Identify older small-head designs worth collector premiums.

Value Estimates

Discover if your old $100 bill is worth more than face value.

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FAQ

Scan Any $100 Bill FAQ

Often yes. Bills from 1928-1950s are typically worth $110-$500+ depending on series and condition. 1928 Gold Certificates can reach $1,000-$5,000+. Pre-1929 large-size notes range from $200 to over $10,000.