How to Identify Fake Old 100 Dollar Bills: Security Features Guide

Old $100 Bill Authentication Checklist (1996–2013 Series)

Security Features of Old $100 Bills (1996-2013)

Old $100 dollar bills issued between 1996 and 2013 incorporate three primary security features that distinguish genuine notes from counterfeits: a fabric-like material containing blue and white fibres, an embedded security thread imprinted with alternating text, and raised printing that creates a distinctive tactile texture. These features were designed to be verifiable without specialised equipment, allowing anyone handling cash to perform basic authenticity checks using only their hands, a light source, and—optionally—an ultraviolet lamp. Understanding what each feature looks like and how to test for it gives you the tools to confidently assess whether an old $100 bill is genuine.

Material Composition and Visible Fibres

Genuine old $100 dollar bills are made out of a fabric-like material that contains blue and white fibres³. When you examine the note closely under good lighting, you'll see tiny coloured threads embedded randomly throughout the paper surface—some blue, some white, scattered without a repeating pattern. These fibres are not printed on the surface; they're woven into the paper during manufacturing, which means they're visible from both the front and back of the bill and cannot be rubbed off or scraped away.

Counterfeiters often attempt to replicate this feature by printing coloured lines or dots onto ordinary paper, but printed imitations sit on the surface rather than within the material. To verify, try gently scratching a fibre with your fingernail—if it's genuine, the fibre won't move because it's embedded in the paper structure. If it smudges or flakes off, the bill is counterfeit. The fabric-like material itself feels different from standard printer paper: it's more durable, slightly thicker, and has a subtle texture that becomes apparent when you handle multiple bills.

Security Thread with Alternating Pattern

The security thread in old $100 dollar bills is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light¹. This thread runs vertically through the bill, positioned to the left of Benjamin Franklin's portrait when you're looking at the front of the note. The thread is embedded within the paper layers, not printed on the surface, which means you can see it from both sides when you hold the bill up to a light source.

The alternating text—"USA 100 USA 100"—repeats along the entire length of the thread in very small print, roughly one millimetre in height. You may need to bring the bill close to your eyes or use a magnifying glass to read the pattern clearly. Counterfeit bills frequently fail to replicate this feature correctly: some show a solid line with no text, others print a thread on the surface that's only visible from one side, and a few use text that doesn't alternate or uses the wrong denomination. The embedded nature of the thread requires specialised papermaking equipment that most counterfeiters cannot access, making this one of the most reliable security features to check.

Raised Printing Texture

Authentic $100 dollar bills have raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture¹. This raised effect is the result of intaglio printing, a specialised process in which engraved plates press ink into the paper with significant force, creating a slightly elevated surface wherever ink appears. When you run your fingertip lightly across the front of the bill—particularly over Franklin's portrait, the Federal Reserve seal, the Treasury seal, and the large "100" numeral in the lower right corner—you should feel a subtle but noticeable texture difference compared to the unprinted areas.

Feeling a bill can be one of the easiest ways to tell whether money is real or fake, as authentic notes will feel slightly rough to the touch due to the unique printing process². Counterfeit bills printed on standard inkjet or laser printers produce flat images with no raised texture, even if the visual appearance is convincing. Some higher-quality counterfeits attempt to simulate texture by embossing or layering ink, but these methods rarely achieve the same consistent, fine-grained relief that intaglio printing creates. The raised printing works in combination with the fabric-like material to give genuine bills a distinctive feel that becomes easier to recognise with practice.

For readers who regularly handle cash, developing familiarity with these three features—embedded fibres, the security thread, and raised printing—provides a foundation for quick, confident verification. Each feature addresses a different aspect of counterfeiting difficulty: material composition requires specialised paper, the security thread demands integrated manufacturing, and raised printing needs industrial-scale equipment. Together, they create multiple barriers that casual counterfeiters cannot overcome, allowing you to verify authenticity through simple, repeatable tests.

How to Check if an Old $100 Bill is Real by Touch

Feeling a bill can be one of the easiest ways to tell whether money is real or fake, as authentic notes will feel slightly rough to the touch due to the unique printing process². Before you hold the bill up to light or reach for a UV lamp, run your fingertips across the surface of the note—this simple tactile test often reveals counterfeits immediately, because the texture of genuine currency cannot be replicated with standard printing equipment. The touch test works because authentic $100 dollar bills have raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture¹. This raised effect is the direct result of intaglio printing, a specialised manufacturing process that presses engraved metal plates into cotton-linen paper with several tons of force, embedding ink below the surface and creating a relief pattern you can feel with your fingers.

What Raised Printing Feels Like

When you lightly drag your fingertip across the front of a genuine old $100 bill, you'll notice a subtle but consistent roughness wherever ink appears—particularly on Benjamin Franklin's portrait, the Federal Reserve and Treasury seals, the denomination numerals, and the fine-line borders around the note's edges. The texture is not uniform across the entire bill: printed areas feel slightly elevated and textured, while blank paper areas remain smooth. This contrast becomes more apparent when you move your finger slowly from an inked region to an unprinted section, such as from Franklin's collar onto the surrounding background.

The raised printing is most pronounced on the portrait itself, where the engraved lines are densest and the ink layer is thickest. If you close your eyes and run your thumb gently over Franklin's face, you should detect a faint ridge pattern that follows the contours of the engraving—the lines of his hair, the shading on his cheek, the folds of his coat. The large "100" numeral in the lower right corner of the bill's front also carries noticeable texture, as does the text "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" along the top edge. These high-relief areas are intentional: they serve both as anti-counterfeiting features and as tactile markers for individuals with visual impairments.

How Counterfeit Bills Fail the Touch Test

Counterfeit bills printed on standard inkjet, laser, or offset printers produce flat images with no raised texture, even when the visual appearance is convincing. Standard printing methods deposit ink on top of the paper surface in a thin, even layer, which dries smooth and flush with the surrounding material. When you touch a counterfeit bill, it feels like any other piece of printed paper—uniform in texture, with no difference between inked and uninked areas. Some higher-quality counterfeits attempt to simulate texture by embossing the paper after printing or by layering multiple passes of ink, but these methods rarely achieve the fine-grained, consistent relief that intaglio printing creates across the entire note.

If the bill feels completely smooth when you run your finger across Franklin's portrait or the seals, it's almost certainly counterfeit. Genuine Federal Reserve notes never feel flat; the raised printing is an inherent result of the manufacturing process, not an optional feature. Even well-worn bills that have circulated for years retain some degree of tactile texture, though it may be less pronounced than on a crisp, uncirculated note. The fabric-like material that genuine bills are made from also contributes to the overall feel: authentic notes have a slight stiffness and resilience that ordinary paper lacks, and they produce a distinctive sound when you snap or crumple them.

Performing the Touch Test Step-by-Step

To verify an old $100 bill by touch, hold the note flat in one hand and use the index finger or thumb of your other hand to lightly stroke the surface. Start with Franklin's portrait—place your fingertip on his forehead and slowly drag it down across his face, neck, and collar, paying attention to any texture you feel. Repeat the motion on the Federal Reserve seal (the circular emblem on the left side of the portrait) and the Treasury seal (the green emblem on the right side). Both seals should feel slightly raised compared to the blank paper around them.

Next, check the large "100" numeral in the lower right corner of the bill's front. This numeral is printed with heavy ink coverage, which makes the raised texture particularly easy to detect. Run your finger across the entire numeral from top to bottom, then compare the sensation to the feel of the blank margin just below it. If you detect a noticeable difference—a slight roughness or ridge on the numeral that disappears when you move onto the blank area—the bill has passed this part of the test. Finally, check the fine-line borders that frame the bill's front and back: these borders should also feel textured, though the effect is subtler than on the portrait or numerals.

The touch test works best when you perform it on multiple bills in succession, because the contrast between genuine and counterfeit texture becomes more obvious with practice. If you have access to a confirmed genuine $100 bill—perhaps a newer design from your bank—compare its texture to the old bill you're verifying. The raised printing should feel similar on both notes, even though the designs differ. If the old bill feels noticeably smoother or flatter, treat it as suspect and proceed to the other verification methods: examining the security thread under light and checking for pink UV fluorescence.

For readers who handle cash regularly, developing sensitivity to the tactile texture of genuine currency provides a quick, reliable first line of defence against counterfeits. The touch test requires no equipment, works in any lighting condition, and can be performed discreetly during a transaction. Combined with the visual checks for embedded fibres and the security thread, it gives you confidence that the old $100 bill in your hand is authentic Federal Reserve currency.

Using Light to Verify the Security Thread

Hold the bill up to any bright light source—a desk lamp, a window on a sunny day, or even the torch on your mobile phone—and look through the note from either the front or back. You should see a thin vertical line embedded inside the paper, running from top to bottom roughly one centimetre to the left of Benjamin Franklin's portrait when viewing the front of the bill. On denominations $5 and higher, a security "thread" is embedded vertically inside the bill, which can be seen when holding the bill up to a light². This thread sits within the paper layers themselves, not printed on the surface, which means it appears as a dark line when backlit and remains visible from both sides of the note.

The security thread in old $100 dollar bills is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light¹. When you examine the thread closely under bright light, you'll see the text "USA 100 USA 100" repeating along its entire length in very small print, typically around one millimetre in height. You may need to bring the bill close to your eyes or use a magnifying glass to read the pattern clearly, especially if the bill has been in circulation for years and shows signs of wear. The alternating text is a deliberate design choice: it increases the difficulty of replication and provides a quick visual confirmation that you're holding genuine currency.

What to Look For When Inspecting the Thread

Position the bill so that light passes through it evenly, illuminating the entire surface. The security thread should appear as a continuous, unbroken line with no gaps or irregularities along its length. The text within the thread should be sharp and legible, with each letter and numeral clearly formed despite the tiny size. If you tilt the bill slightly while holding it up to the light, the thread remains visible at all angles—it does not disappear or change appearance based on your viewing position, because it is a physical element embedded in the paper rather than a printed or holographic feature.

Counterfeit bills frequently fail to replicate this feature correctly. Some show a solid line with no text inside, others print a thread on the surface that is only visible from one side, and a few use text that does not alternate or displays the wrong denomination. The embedded nature of the thread requires specialised papermaking equipment that most counterfeiters cannot access, making this one of the most reliable security features to check. If the thread appears to be printed on top of the paper—meaning you can see it clearly without holding the bill up to light, or it feels raised when you run your finger over it—the bill is almost certainly counterfeit.

Step-by-Step Light Verification

To perform this check methodically, hold the bill horizontally with both hands, positioning it between your eyes and a light source. Start by confirming that the thread is present: look for the dark vertical line to the left of Franklin's portrait. Once you've located the thread, bring the bill closer to examine the text. The "USA 100" pattern should repeat at least ten times along the thread's length, with consistent spacing and alignment. If the text appears blurry, incomplete, or printed in a font that looks different from other genuine bills you've handled, treat the note as suspect.

Next, check the thread from the back of the bill. Turn the note over and hold it up to the same light source—the thread should still be visible in the same position, running vertically through the reverse design. The text should remain legible from this side as well, though it may appear as a mirror image depending on how the thread was manufactured. Genuine threads are woven into the paper during production, so they look identical whether viewed from the front or back; counterfeit threads printed on the surface often disappear or change appearance when you flip the bill.

If you have access to an ultraviolet lamp—commonly available at hardware stores or online for around $10 to $20—you can perform an additional verification step. When held under UV light, the security threads in $100 dollar bills glow pink⁴. This fluorescence is caused by phosphorescent compounds embedded in the thread material, which absorb ultraviolet radiation and re-emit it as visible pink light. Counterfeit threads rarely fluoresce at all, or they glow the wrong colour, because replicating the exact chemical composition of the thread requires knowledge and materials that most counterfeiters lack. The UV test takes only a few seconds and provides strong confirmation when combined with the visible-light inspection.

For readers verifying an old $100 bill for the first time, the light test offers a straightforward, equipment-free method to confirm authenticity. The security thread's embedded position and alternating text pattern create multiple barriers to counterfeiting, and the feature remains effective even on bills that have circulated for years. Combined with the tactile check for raised printing and the visual inspection of embedded fibres, examining the security thread under light gives you confidence that the currency in your hand is genuine Federal Reserve issue.

UV Light Test: What Color Should a Real $100 Bill Glow

Ultraviolet light reveals a security feature that counterfeiters find extremely difficult to replicate: the fluorescent response of the embedded security thread. When held under UV light, the security threads in $100 dollar bills glow pink⁴. This fluorescence occurs because the thread contains phosphorescent compounds that absorb ultraviolet radiation and re-emit it as visible light in a specific colour. The pink glow is unique to the $100 denomination—other denominations fluoresce in different colours, which prevents counterfeiters from simply transplanting threads from lower-value notes into fake hundreds.

To perform the UV test, you need a portable ultraviolet lamp, often called a blacklight, which emits light in the 365-nanometre wavelength range. These devices are widely available at hardware stores, online retailers, and security supply shops, typically priced between $10 and $30 for a handheld model. Some currency-counting machines and point-of-sale verification tools include built-in UV lamps for this purpose. Once you have a UV source, darken the room or move to a dimly lit area—the fluorescence is most visible when ambient light is minimal.

Hold the old $100 bill flat under the UV lamp, positioning the light source a few centimetres above the note's surface. Direct the beam toward the left side of Benjamin Franklin's portrait, where the security thread runs vertically through the paper. Within a second or two, the thread should begin to glow a distinct pink colour, appearing as a bright vertical stripe against the otherwise dark bill. The security thread in old $100 dollar bills is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light¹. The pink fluorescence should be uniform along the entire length of the thread, with no breaks or faded sections.

Interpreting the UV Response

If the thread glows pink as expected, the bill has passed this authentication test. The fluorescence confirms that the thread contains the correct chemical composition specified by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which is proprietary information not publicly available to counterfeiters. If the thread does not glow at all, glows a different colour such as blue or yellow, or shows only faint, patchy fluorescence, the bill is almost certainly counterfeit. Some counterfeiters print a fake thread on the surface of the paper using ink that fluoresces under UV light, but these imitations rarely match the precise pink hue of genuine threads, and they often glow unevenly or too brightly.

Genuine bills may also show other fluorescent elements under UV light, such as embedded fibres that glow in various colours throughout the paper. These fibres are part of the currency paper's composition and are distributed randomly across the note's surface. Their presence supports authenticity, but the security thread's pink glow remains the primary feature to verify. If you see a pink-glowing thread in the correct position with the "USA 100" text visible under normal light, and the thread is embedded rather than printed on the surface, you can be confident the bill is authentic.

The UV test takes less than ten seconds and works on bills of any age or condition, making it one of the most efficient authentication methods available. For readers who handle cash regularly or operate businesses that accept large-denomination notes, investing in a portable UV lamp provides a quick, reliable way to verify currency on the spot. Combined with the tactile check for raised printing and the visible-light inspection of the security thread, the UV test completes a three-part verification process that catches the vast majority of counterfeits.

Are Old $100 Bills Still Valid Currency?

All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued¹. This means that old $100 bills from the 1996–2013 series are still legitimate money and can be used for transactions, deposited at banks, or exchanged for newer notes without any loss of value. The Federal Reserve does not recall or demonetise older currency designs when it introduces updated security features—every dollar bill ever printed by the U.S. government retains its full face value indefinitely. If you receive an old $100 bill in change, as payment, or as a gift, you hold genuine currency that merchants and financial institutions must accept.

This policy differs from practices in some other countries, where older banknote series are withdrawn from circulation after a transition period and eventually lose their status as legal tender. In the United States, however, the government guarantees that all Federal Reserve notes, from the earliest issues still in existence to the most recent designs, remain valid for all debts, public and private. The reason for this permanence is straightforward: it protects the public's confidence in the currency and ensures that no one loses money simply because they held onto an older bill for years or inherited currency from a previous generation.

Why Older Bills Remain in Circulation

The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing introduces new security features periodically to stay ahead of counterfeiting technology, but these updates do not invalidate previous designs. Instead, older and newer bills circulate side by side until the older notes wear out naturally through handling and are removed from circulation by the Federal Reserve. A well-preserved old $100 bill can remain in active use for decades, passing from person to person without ever being withdrawn. Banks and businesses may prefer newer bills for their enhanced security features, but they cannot refuse older notes simply because they lack the latest design elements.

When you verify an old $100 bill using the methods described in this guide—checking for raised printing, examining the security thread under light, and testing the UV fluorescence—you confirm not only that the bill is genuine but also that it functions as current, spendable money. If the bill passes these authentication tests, you can deposit it at your bank, use it to make purchases, or exchange it for a newer note at any Federal Reserve bank or financial institution. The age of the bill does not reduce its purchasing power or create any obligation to exchange it for a more recent design.

What to Do If You Receive an Old $100 Bill

If you receive an old $100 bill and want to confirm its authenticity before accepting it, apply the verification steps outlined in this guide. Feel the bill for the distinctive texture of raised printing, hold it up to a light source to check for the embedded security thread with the "USA 100" pattern, and use a UV lamp if available to confirm the pink fluorescence. If the bill passes all these tests, accept it with confidence—it is genuine legal tender. If the bill fails any test, politely decline it and ask for a different form of payment, explaining that you need to verify the note's authenticity before completing the transaction.

For readers who hold old $100 bills as savings or who have inherited currency from family members, there is no urgency to exchange these notes for newer designs. The bills retain their full value and can be used or deposited whenever you choose. Some collectors pay a premium for older bills in pristine condition or with rare serial numbers, but standard circulated notes from the 1996–2013 series are worth exactly $100 regardless of their age or appearance. If you prefer to hold newer currency, visit your bank and request an exchange—most institutions will swap old bills for new ones at no charge, though they may ask you to verify your identity and account status before processing large exchanges.

The permanence of U.S. currency as legal tender means that verifying an old $100 bill is not about determining whether it can still be used, but rather about confirming that it is genuine. Once you have authenticated the bill using the security features described in this guide, you can treat it as you would any other $100 note, with full confidence in its legitimacy and purchasing power.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

When verifying the authenticity of old $100 bills, several common pitfalls can lead to incorrect conclusions. Being aware of these mistakes can help ensure that you're checking your bills effectively.

Relying Solely on Visual Inspection

Many people mistakenly believe that a thorough visual examination alone is enough to verify a bill's authenticity. However, counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated in replicating the appearance of genuine currency. Without additional checks, such as the touch test and UV verification, it's easy to be fooled by a well-made counterfeit. To avoid this, always combine visual inspection with other verification methods.

Ignoring the Texture of the Bill

Some individuals overlook the importance of the bill's texture, assuming that visual checks are sufficient. However, genuine $100 bills have a distinctive texture due to the raised printing¹. Failing to check the texture can lead to accepting a counterfeit bill that looks real but feels smooth or flat. Always perform the touch test to verify the bill's authenticity.

Misunderstanding the Security Thread

A common misconception is that the security thread is simply a printed line on the bill. In reality, the thread is embedded within the paper and is visible from both sides when held to light². Counterfeiters often fail to replicate this feature correctly, but some may print a convincing imitation. To verify the thread's authenticity, check that it's visible from both sides and contains the alternating "USA" and "100" pattern¹.

Confusing UV Fluorescence with Other Features

Some people mistakenly believe that any fluorescent response under UV light indicates a genuine bill. However, the security thread in $100 bills glows pink under UV illumination⁴. If the thread glows a different colour or doesn't glow at all, the bill is likely counterfeit. To avoid confusion, ensure you're using a proper UV lamp and checking the correct feature.

By being aware of these common mistakes and misconceptions, you can more effectively verify the authenticity of old $100 bills and avoid potential pitfalls.

Key Takeaways

To verify the authenticity of old $100 bills (1996-2013 series), we recommend:

• Checking the bill's texture for raised printing and a fabric-like material with blue and white fibres
• Examining the security thread under light to verify the alternating "USA" and "100" pattern
• Using a UV lamp to confirm the thread glows pink
• Understanding that all U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of age or design

Once you've verified your $100 bill is genuine, you can confidently use it in transactions or deposit it into your bank account. For further information on understanding counterfeit currency, visit our guide on Understanding Fake Dollar Bills: Key Features.

Evidence and sources

1. $100 Note
2. How to Detect Counterfeit Currency: 4 Simple Ways | St. Louis Fed
3. How to Tell If an Old 100 Dollar Bill Is Real or Fake
4. $100 Note