You’ve probably held one. Maybe you’ve even tucked a few under a mattress for a rainy day. But when you look at that face staring back at you from the $100 bill, do you actually know who he is?
It’s Benjamin Franklin.
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Most people just assume every face on American paper money belongs to a former president. Honestly, it’s a fair guess. George Washington is on the single, Lincoln is on the five, and Grant is on the fifty. But Franklin? He never sat in the Oval Office. He wasn't even alive when the presidency as we know it today really hit its stride.
So why is he there?
The Non-President on the Big Bill
Benjamin Franklin is one of only two people on current U.S. paper currency who wasn't a president. The other is Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill.
The Treasury Department didn't just pick him out of a hat. Franklin was basically the "foundingest" of the Founding Fathers. He signed the Declaration of Independence. He signed the Constitution. He even signed the Treaty of Paris.
He was a polymath. That’s a fancy way of saying he was good at everything. He was a scientist who messed around with lightning, an inventor who gave us bifocals, and a diplomat who basically talked France into saving America during the Revolution.
Why Franklin and Not a President?
In 1914, the Federal Reserve started issuing these notes. At the time, they decided Franklin’s face represented the American spirit of ingenuity and hard work.
He wasn't just a politician; he was a printer. He was a guy who built himself from nothing. That "rags to riches" vibe is the core of the American Dream, which makes him the perfect mascot for the most valuable bill in general circulation.
Before Franklin took over the spot in 1914, the $100 bill looked a lot different. Back in the 1860s, you’d actually find Abraham Lincoln on the hundred. James Monroe had a stint too. But once Franklin arrived, he stuck. He’s been the face of the "Benjamin" for over a century now.
What’s Actually on the Bill (Besides Ben)
If you haven't looked closely at a $100 bill lately, you're missing some wild details. It's not just a portrait and some numbers.
To the right of Franklin’s head, there’s a quill and an inkwell. This isn't just for decoration. It’s a nod to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. If you tilt the bill, you’ll see a bell inside that inkwell change color from copper to green. It’s a trick of the light called color-shifting ink.
The 3D Security Ribbon
There is a vertical blue ribbon running down the center. This thing is a marvel of engineering.
It’s not printed on the paper. It’s woven into it.
When you move the bill, you’ll see little bells and the number "100" moving. If you tilt the bill back and forth, they move side to side. If you tilt it side to side, they move up and down. It’s specifically designed to be a nightmare for counterfeiters to replicate.
The Back of the Bill
Flip it over. You’ll see Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
This is where the heavy lifting of American democracy happened. Interestingly, the clock on the hall shows a specific time. For years, people debated what time it was—most experts now agree it’s roughly 10:30.
There are also no people on the back. It’s just the building. It represents the stability of the American government, which is kind of ironic considering how much of a rebel Franklin was in his younger days.
How to Tell if It's Real
Counterfeiting is a massive business, but the "Benjamins" are getting harder to fake.
If you’re ever suspicious, use the "touch and tilt" method.
- Feel the shoulder: Run your fingernail across Franklin’s shoulder. It should feel rough. That’s because of intaglio printing, which leaves raised ink on the surface.
- The Watermark: Hold it up to a light. You should see a faint image of Franklin in the blank space to the right of the portrait. It’s visible from both sides.
- The Thread: There is a thin vertical thread embedded in the paper. It’s not the blue ribbon—this one is hidden. Under UV light, this thread glows pink.
It’s also worth noting the paper itself. It isn't really paper. It’s a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen. That’s why it doesn't fall apart in the wash like a receipt does. You can even see tiny red and blue security fibers scattered throughout the material.
The Myth of the "Hidden" Portrait
You might have heard there's a "secret" person on the bill.
There isn't.
Some people mistake the watermark or the microprinting for a hidden face. If you look at Franklin’s jacket collar with a magnifying glass, you’ll see "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" printed in tiny letters. It’s not a secret code; it’s just another way to prove the bill is legit.
Why the $100 Bill is Changing (Slowly)
We aren't getting a new face anytime soon, but the design evolves.
The current "Big Head" design was a huge shift from the older versions where Franklin sat in a small oval. The reason for the change? Science. A larger portrait is harder to counterfeit because there are more fine lines to mess up.
The Treasury has already announced that a new $100 note is planned for 2034. They are currently working on a new $10 bill for 2026, followed by the $50 in 2028. The hundred is the last one on the list because it’s the most complex to design.
Actionable Tips for Handling Your Hundreds
If you deal with cash, especially $100 bills, you should probably do these three things:
- Check the Ribbon: Always give it a quick tilt. If those bells don't move, the bill is a fake.
- Use a UV Light: If you run a business, a cheap UV flashlight is your best friend. The pink glow of the security thread is the fastest way to verify a stack of cash.
- Know the Series: Older bills (pre-1996) are still legal tender, but they don't have the 3D ribbon. Don't panic if you see a "small head" Franklin, but be extra careful with them since they lack modern features.
Keeping an eye on these details isn't just for bank tellers. It’s about knowing the history and the tech in your pocket. Benjamin Franklin might never have been president, but he’s still the most important face in your wallet.