Protecting and maintaining confidence in U.S. currency requires a combination of effective law enforcement, public education and security features. The more people who know about the security features on the new $100 note, the tougher it will be for counterfeiters to be successful. That is why we have developed this website in addition to a number of free educational materials for police officials to distribute to businesses that contact them for information on identifying counterfeit notes.
Additionally, the United States Secret Service's website provides information for law enforcement to help combat counterfeiting.
In order to stay ahead of counterfeiters, the United States government has redesigned the $100 note, its highest value denomination, with advanced security features. It is the final denomination in a family of redesigned notes that was first introduced in 2003 with a new $20 note and includes $50, $10 and $5 notes.
Over a decade of research and development went into the new $100 note's security features. Two new, advanced security features have been added to the note – the 3-D Ribbon and Bell in the Inkwell – as well as several other features that may be familiar to you. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the new features and design elements so you can easily spot a counterfeit note.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Secret Service are conducting a global public education program to ensure those who use the $100 note know about the changes. We hope you check this page often to get the latest information about the new $100 note.
Tips of the Trade
- Q: On the new $100 note, where are the face plate number and check letter quadrant number located? Jason V., Security Supervisor, Seminole Hard Rock Casino, Tampa, FL
A: The new $100 note includes numbers and letters which provide information about the printing plate used to manufacture each note. The image below details these locations.
- Q: I am interested in posters that show and describe the details of currency. Can you send me any information? Salina D., Student Store Manager, Bakersfield, CA
A: There are numerous education materials available to download highlighting the security and design features of U.S. currency. For example, the multinote poster features the redesigned $100 note and provides information on other redesigned U.S. currency. Be sure to check out the complete collection of training materials by denomination where you can create your own "library" of currency training resources.
- Q: We have our fair share of bad bills coming through, so I am interested in training our employees about currency. We are in NYC and have about 150 employees. Kenneth C., Director of Human Services, New York, NY
A: The U.S. government encourages businesses that handle cash to train their employees about the security and design features in the redesigned $100 note before it begins circulating. We want people to know its features so they can know it's real.
You can visit our website for a complete collection of training materials by denomination, which are designed to educate cash handlers about the security and design features in U.S. currency. Print and digital resources are available and can be used for either individual or group trainings.
- Q: Is there a program that reimburses the retail business for the forged money they received? If so, how would we go taking the proper steps to receive reimbursement? Wissam M., Walgreens Corp., Cleveland, OH
A: If a business ends up with a counterfeit note, it will lose that money. A counterfeit note cannot be exchanged for a genuine one, and it is illegal to knowingly pass counterfeit currency. Therefore, there is an incentive for businesses that handle cash to train their employees about the security and design features in genuine U.S. currency.