currency

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

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CA$H.CAMO Bentley GT from Dartz

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Dartz, the whacked-out Russian luxury SUV brand known for the grenade-proof Kombat and whale penis leather-upholstered Monaco Red Diamond monstrosity, have come out with another assault on aesthetics: the CA$H.CAMO Bentley GT. Designed in collaboration with Russian supercar tuner TopCar, the Bentley gets some body mods and upgrades along with a truly hideous wrap. The Kevlar-based vinyl covering combines a camouflage pattern with the graphics of a 500 euro banknote with its purple color scheme and architectural motif, the currency's highest denomination. The 500 euro note is known to be a favorite with the Russian mafia. The wrap is also designed to have a texture that makes it feel like an actual banknote. The barfy Bentley will be unveiled at the upcoming Top Marques Monaco show.

Tags: Bentley, camouflage, currency, custom cars, Dartz, Dartz Kombat, Russia, Top Marques Monaco

Avoid Currency Fluctuation at The Capital Hotel in London

by Alison Wellner (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

I've visited London a few times over the past couple of years, and my visits have ranged from being a bit on the pricey side to being punishingly expensive: when it took just shy of two dollars to buy a pound, I thought twice about shelling out for the Tube. At eight bucks a go, my irrational version of travel budgeting had me figuring I'd rather spend the additional money on a taxi. (Hey, I'm a writer, not an accountant.)

Avoid all of the currency calculations when you book "The Capital Idea" package at London's Capital Hotel, in Knightsbridge. The hotel has just announced fixed-dollar rates for 2010, which includes, among other things, full breakfast, luxury chauffeured car to and from Heathrow, London City Airport or the Eurostar Terminal. The package is for three nights, singles to junior suites from $1,199 to $2,530, with additional nights from $320 to $550.

Take your savings and spend them at nearby Harrods. At least that's what I'd do.

Tags: currency, hotel, hotels, london