7 Secrets Behind The 1981 $100 Bill Revealed

When the Series 1981 $100 bill was released by the United States Federal Reserve, it wasn't just a new banknote; it was a masterpiece of security features and design. This bill, with Benjamin Franklin's iconic portrait, set the standard for future currency design and introduced several innovations aimed at preventing counterfeiting. In this post, we delve into 7 secrets behind the 1981 $100 bill that you might not know about.

1. The Microprinting Marvels

One of the pioneering security features of the 1981 $100 bill was microprinting. Hidden within the bill's design, there are lines of microprinted text that are only visible under magnification. This technique was a significant departure from traditional anti-counterfeiting measures.

• Monument Microprinting: The word "USA" is microprinted on Franklin's tie.
• Signature Microprinting: The signatures of the Treasury Secretary and the Treasurer of the United States have fine lines of text beneath them.

<p class="pro-note">🔍 Pro Tip: If you have a magnifying glass or a loupe, try to locate the microprinted "USA" and signatures to impress your friends with your bill-detecting skills.</p>

2. The Security Threads

Each Series 1981 $100 bill contained a security thread embedded in the paper. This thread was a polyester strip that ran vertically through the portrait of Franklin. Here's how it worked:

• Glow Under UV Light: When viewed under ultraviolet light, the thread fluoresced, making it easy to detect.
• Special Ink: It was printed with a text indicating the denomination, appearing alternately from "USA" and "100."

3. The Intaglio Printing Technique

The 1981 $100 bill marked a significant advancement in intaglio printing. This process creates raised ink that can be felt by touch, making it easier to differentiate from counterfeit money.

• Raised Printing: The lines of the portrait, denomination, and borders are printed in a way that they are raised to the touch.
• Ink Depth: The ink is thicker, creating a tactile difference that makes the bill more secure.

4. Color-Shifting Ink

Another fascinating feature was the introduction of color-shifting ink on the denomination "100" printed in the lower right-hand corner on the back of the bill. This ink changed color when the bill was tilted:

• Green to Black: The ink appears green at one angle and shifts to black when tilted.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: You can test the color shift effect by simply tilting your Series 1981 $100 bill under normal lighting conditions.</p>

5. The Watermark

The Series 1981 $100 bill was one of the first to include a watermark. This was a significant step in the evolution of currency security:

• Benjamin Franklin's Image: The watermark depicts Benjamin Franklin, matching the portrait on the front of the bill.
• Embedded Paper: It was created during the papermaking process by impressing the image onto the paper itself.

6. The Serial Numbers

The serial numbers on the 1981 $100 bills were not just random sequences; they held secrets:

• Unique Combinations: The first letter and number indicate the series year and Federal Reserve Bank, while the remaining digits are unique to each note.
• Security Features: The serial numbers are printed with a type of ink that helps distinguish genuine bills from fakes through its light reflection properties.

7. The Fibrous Paper

The paper used for the Series 1981 $100 bill was a proprietary blend, containing:

• Red and Blue Fibers: Tiny threads of red and blue are embedded in the paper, making them visible when held up to light.
• Cotton and Linen: A combination of 25% linen and 75% cotton, giving the bill its unique feel and durability.

<p class="pro-note">🧩 Pro Tip: The next time you hold a Series 1981 $100 bill, look closely for those red and blue fibers to confirm its authenticity.</p>

Final Insights

The Series 1981 $100 bill was not only a financial instrument but also an artful marriage of craftsmanship and security technology. Each feature was a step forward in ensuring that only genuine currency circulated in the economy.

Call to Action

If you're intrigued by currency design and security, explore our related tutorials where we dive deeper into the fascinating world of banknote production and the evolving science of counterfeit deterrence.

<p class="pro-note">🔒 Pro Tip: Keep exploring the fascinating secrets of currency to gain a deeper appreciation for the bills in your wallet.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why was microprinting used on the 1981 $100 bill?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Microprinting was used to make counterfeiting more difficult because reproducing the tiny text accurately requires specialized equipment.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I verify the authenticity of a Series 1981 $100 bill?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Examine the bill for the security thread, watermark, raised ink, color-shifting ink, microprinting, and the presence of red and blue fibers.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What does the watermark on the 1981 $100 bill look like?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The watermark is an image of Benjamin Franklin, similar to the portrait on the front, visible when holding the bill up to the light.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why is intaglio printing important for currency?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Intaglio printing produces raised ink that can be felt, providing a tactile confirmation of the bill's authenticity and making it harder for counterfeiters to replicate.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can the color-shifting ink on the 1981 $100 bill fade over time?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Over time and with heavy use, the color-shifting effect might become less pronounced, but the ink is designed to be durable.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>