You’ve probably held one and wondered if it felt a little too much like a movie prop. That vibrant, 3D ribbon woven right into the paper—it’s flashy. It’s high-tech. Honestly, the blue strip 100 dollar bill is arguably the most sophisticated piece of paper on the planet, and for good reason. North Korea spent years getting really good at making "supernotes" that could fool even some bank scanners, so the U.S. Treasury had to go nuclear on security features.
The "Series 2004A" redesign, which actually hit the streets in 2013 after some annoying printing delays, changed everything. Gone are the days when a simple counterfeit pen was enough to protect your business. Counterfeiters have gotten smarter, so the money had to get weirder.
What’s actually inside that blue ribbon?
It isn't ink. That’s the first thing you need to realize. If you try to scratch that blue line off, you aren't going to find blue pigment underneath because the ribbon is literally threaded through the paper, not printed on it. It’s made of nearly a million micro-lenses.
Think about that. A million lenses on a single bill.
When you tilt the blue strip 100 dollar bill, something "impossible" happens. The bells change to 100s. They move. If you move the bill back and forth, the images move up and down. If you tilt it up and down, the images move side to side. It’s an optical illusion called a moiré magnification. It’s the same tech used in high-end passports and some luxury brand labels to prevent knock-offs. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing worked with a company called Crane Currency to develop this, and honestly, it’s a masterpiece of engineering.
The "New" Benjamins vs. the Old Ones
People still get twitchy when they see the older versions of the $100 bill—the ones with the smaller portrait of Benjamin Franklin. You’ve probably seen a cashier hold one up to the light for a long time, looking suspicious. But the blue strip 100 dollar bill was designed to make that "hold it to the light" dance almost unnecessary.
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The color is the big giveaway. The new bills have a slight blue tint overall, but that central 3D security ribbon is the star of the show. Beside it, you'll see the Copper Bell in the Inkwell. If you tilt the bill, that bell changes from copper to green. This is "color-shifting ink," which uses tiny flakes of metallic material that reflect light differently at various angles. It’s incredibly expensive to replicate accurately.
Don't ignore the "Hidden" Franklin
Even with all the blue flashiness, the old-school features are still there. If you hold the bill to the light, you should see a faint image of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the portrait. This is the watermark. It’s embedded in the paper fibers.
- A common trick counterfeiters use is "bleaching" smaller bills.
- They take a $5 bill, scrub the ink off, and print a $100 on top.
- Why? Because the paper feels "real."
- But if you hold a bleached bill to the light, you’ll see Abraham Lincoln’s face in the watermark instead of Ben’s.
- Instant giveaway.
On the blue strip 100 dollar bill, the security thread also glows pink under UV light. If you’re a business owner, buying a cheap UV flashlight is way more effective than those brown markers. Those markers only detect the starch in wood-based paper. Real currency is 75% cotton and 25% linen. It’s basically fabric.
Why the Blue Strip matters for your wallet
Counterfeiting isn't just a "movie plot" thing. It’s a massive headache for small businesses and individuals selling stuff on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. If you accept a fake bill, you’re out $100. Period. The bank won't reimburse you. They actually have to confiscate it and send it to the Secret Service. It’s a total loss for you.
Knowing the nuances of the blue strip 100 dollar bill protects you from the most common scams. For instance, have you ever noticed the "raised printing" on Ben Franklin’s shoulder? If you run your fingernail across his suit jacket, it should feel rough. Like a file. If it’s smooth, get out of there. That bill is a fake.
The microprinting is another one. There are tiny words—"THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"—along Franklin’s collar and "USA 100" around the blank space where the watermark sits. You almost need a magnifying glass to see them clearly, but they should be sharp. Blurry lines are a sign of an inkjet printer trying too hard.
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Beyond the Blue: Advanced Security Details
The 3D ribbon is the most visible part, but there are layers to this. The "100" in the bottom right corner also shifts from copper to green. And look at the "100" printed vertically on the right side of the back of the bill. It’s large and gold, designed to help people with visual impairments, but it also serves as a massive target for color-shifting ink checks.
The paper itself is unique. It’s manufactured by Crane & Co. in Massachusetts, and it has tiny red and blue security fibers scattered throughout. They aren't just on the surface. They are part of the "slurry" when the paper is being made. On a real blue strip 100 dollar bill, you can’t just scrape those fibers off with a needle.
Actionable Steps for Handling Large Cash Transactions
If you’re dealing with a lot of cash, don't just look for the blue strip and call it a day. Scammers sometimes "wash" real bills or use high-quality stickers to mimic the ribbon.
- The Texture Test: Run your thumb over Franklin’s shoulder. It must feel like a washboard.
- The Tilt Test: Watch the Bell in the Inkwell. It should vanish and reappear as it changes color.
- The Light Test: Hold it up. Look for the watermark and the vertical security thread. The thread should say "USA 100" repeatedly.
- The UV Test: If you have a blacklight, the thread should glow a distinct pink. Not blue, not white—pink.
By paying attention to these physical details, you’re essentially doing the work of a Secret Service agent in about five seconds. The blue strip 100 dollar bill was designed to be your best friend in a high-stakes transaction. Use the features. They’re there for a reason.
If you suspect you've received a counterfeit, don't try to be a hero and confront the person if it feels dangerous. Take note of their appearance, try to get a license plate if they’re in a car, and call local law enforcement. Handle the bill as little as possible to preserve fingerprints and place it in a protective cover or plastic bag.
Staying vigilant with the blue strip 100 dollar bill is the simplest way to ensure your hard-earned money stays exactly where it belongs: in your pocket.