100 bill

Secrets of the New $100 Bill

Filed under: Wealth

Nice makeover, Benjamin. The new $100 bill -- due to be released February 10, 2011 -- is super secure and full of new, hidden features.

"As with previous U.S. currency redesigns, this note incorporates the best technology available to ensure we're staying ahead of counterfeiters," said Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner. What's especially nice is that with this new hundred dollar bill, you don't have to be an expert to see if you're being fooled.

For example, see that blue ribbon? That's a "3-D Security Ribbon." The bells and 100s move and change back and forth like those hologram cards from the 80s. There's also a bell in that inkwell you can just barely see; it changes color from copper to green when you tilt the note. The watermark portrait of Benjamin Franklin is also very hard to replicate, so know your Founding Fathers and you should be all set.

Tags: 100 bill, Benjamin Franklin, counterfeit, counterfeiting, CounterfeitMoney, currency, money, treasury