Benjamin Franklin stares back at you from the face of the $100 bill. While the image is ubiquitous, appearing in wallets and cash registers across the globe, many people remain unaware of the specific denomination or the historical reasoning behind this choice. The portrait of this singular Founding Father dominates the largest denomination currently in circulation, making it a cornerstone of the United States monetary system.
The Denomination of the Benjamin
To answer the direct question of what dollar bill Benjamin Franklin is on, he appears exclusively on the $100 note. This specific denomination is often referred to colloquially as a "Benjamin," a "C-note" (derived from the Roman numeral for 100, "C"), or a "yard." The Bureau of Engraving and Printing specifically reserves Franklin’s likeness for this high-value bill, distinguishing him from the other historical figures featured on lower denominations.
Why Franklin and Why the $100?
Benjamin Franklin was selected for the $100 bill due to his immense contributions to the founding of the United States, extending far beyond his role as a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was a prolific inventor, a pragmatic diplomat who secured crucial French support during the Revolutionary War, and a foundational thinker in American philosophy. The choice to place him on the highest denomination in current circulation reflects his status as a statesman and his association with large-scale financial matters, including the establishment of the first public library and the concept of mutual insurance.
Evolution of the Design
The image of Franklin on the $100 bill has undergone several significant transformations since the denomination was first issued. The modern design, introduced in 1928, standardized the size and portrait orientation of Federal Reserve Notes. However, the most dramatic shift occurred in 2013 with the introduction of a redesigned note aimed at enhancing security. This update moved Franklin’s portrait from the center to the right, giving him a more three-dimensional look, and introduced a blue security ribbon woven into the paper that displays moving images of the Liberty Bell and the number 100.
Security Features of the Note
Watermark: A faint image of Benjamin Franklin is visible on the right side of the bill when held to light.
Security Thread: Embedded vertically in the paper, this thread glows pink under ultraviolet light and bears the text "USA 100."
Color-Shifting Ink: The numeric denomination "100" in the lower right corner changes from copper to green when the bill is tilted.
Microprinting: Tiny text reading "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" appears on the inside of the portrait border.
Circulation and Global Recognition
The $100 bill is the largest denomination note printed in the United States, but it is not the most commonly circulated in everyday transactions. Instead, it plays a vital role in larger financial exchanges, both domestically and internationally. Due to the stability of the US economy, these bills are frequently held as reserves by foreign governments and are widely recognized as a store of value globally, earning the nickname "the king of currencies."
Collector Information and Rarity
While the $100 bill is common in daily use, specific series and serial numbers can be highly sought after by numismatists. Collectors often seek out notes with low serial numbers, star notes (used to replace misprinted bills), or those from specific rare series. Generally, bills in uncirculated condition or those graded by professional services command a premium over their face value, turning a simple "Benjamin" into a potential investment.
