If you’ve ever had a $100 bill in your hand, you know it’s hard to ignore the portrait of the founding father who graces the front of this denomination. Of course, we’re talking about Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most famous statesmen and intellectuals. But who is he, really? And what else can we learn from this little piece of green paper? In this article, we’ll explore everything from the significance of the symbols on the $100 bill to some fun facts you may not have known.
Who is on the $100 bill?
As we already mentioned, Benjamin Franklin is the face of the $100 bill. While Franklin is widely recognized for his work on electricity and his place in American history—a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution—many people may not know that he was also a successful businessman and printer, and he played a key role in establishing the nation’s first lending library, fire department, and postal system. He died in 1790 at the age of 84, but his legacy lives on—and not just on our currency.
What is the significance of the symbols on the $100 bill?
Like all American currency, the $100 bill is packed with symbols and references that tell a story about our country and its values. Let’s take a closer look:
- The portrait of Benjamin Franklin. Displayed prominently on the front of the bill, Franklin’s face is the most recognizable symbol of the hundred-dollar note.
- The Independence Hall. Located on the back of the bill, Independence Hall served as the birthplace of American democracy. It was here that the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were both signed.
- The eagle and shield. Also on the back of the bill, the eagle and shield are both national symbols of the United States. They represent strength, freedom, and security.
- The “100” watermark. One of the key security features of the $100 bill is the watermark on the right side of the note. When held up to the light, you’ll see a faint image of Franklin’s face that is visible from both sides of the bill.
- The color-changing ink. Another security feature is the denomination numeral on the bottom right corner of the bill, which changes from copper to green when you tilt it back and forth.
Together, these symbols tell the story of American history and our country’s commitment to liberty, democracy, and prosperity.
What are some fun facts about the $100 bill?
Here are a few things you may not have known about the $100 bill:
- It’s the highest denomination in circulation. While there are higher denominations printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, such as the $500 and $1,000 notes, they are no longer in circulation and are rare collector’s items.
- It’s often used as an international currency. Because of its high value, the $100 bill is commonly used by businesses and governments for international transactions.
- The average lifespan of a $100 bill is 15 years. Due to their high value, $100 bills are often held in reserve and don’t see the same amount of wear and tear as smaller denominations.
- The current design of the bill debuted in 2013. This was the first major redesign of the $100 bill since 1996, and it included significant changes to the security features to combat counterfeiting.
References
“Benjamin Franklin.” The White House, The United States Government, www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/benjamin-franklin/. Accessed 15 July 2021.
“Designs for New $100 Note Unveiled.” U.S. Department of the Treasury, www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg353.aspx. Accessed 15 July 2021.