The Latest in U.S. Currency Design 
In order to keep counterfeiting low, the U.S. government 

continues to enhance the security of its currency. 

In the following pages, we’ll introduce you to the new 

$100 note and the other redesigned denominations: 

the $50, $20, $10, and $5 notes. The redesigned $100 

note incorporates two advanced security features — the 

3-D Security Ribbon and the Bell in the Inkwell — and 

other innovative enhancements. 

It is not necessary to trade in your old-design notes 

for new ones. All U.S. currency remains legal tender, 

regardless of when it was issued. 

Even with the most technologically advanced security 

features, it’s you — the educated consumer — 

who continues to be the best line of defense against 

counterfeiting. It only takes a few seconds to check 

the new $100 note and know it’s real. Learn how to 

identify and use the two advanced security features: 

the 3-D Security Ribbon and the Bell in the Inkwell. 

For more information, visit www.newmoney.gov.
The New $100 Note

Know Its Features. Know It’s Real.

Protect yourself — 

it only takes a few seconds 

to check the new $100 note 

and know it’s real. 
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3-D Security Ribbon

Tilt the note back and forth while focusing on the 

blue ribbon. You will see the bells change to 100s 

as they move. When you tilt the note back and 

forth, the bells and 100s move side to side. If you 

tilt it side to side, they move up and down. The 

ribbon is woven into the paper, not printed on it.

Bell in the Inkwell 

Tilt the note to see the color-shifting bell in the 

copper inkwell change from copper to green, an 

effect which makes the bell seem to appear and 

disappear within the inkwell. 

1. Portrait Watermark

Hold the note to light and look for a faint image of 

Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the 

portrait. The image is visible from either side of the note.

2. Security Thread 

Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread 

running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is 

imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in 

an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of 

the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by 

ultraviolet light.

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3. Color-Shifting 100 

Tilt the note to see the numeral 100 in the lower right 

corner of the front of the note shift from copper to green. 

4. Raised Printing

Move your finger up and down Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder 

on the left side of the note. It should feel rough to the 

touch, a result of the enhanced intaglio printing process 

used to create the image. Traditional raised printing can be 

felt throughout the $100 note, and gives genuine U.S. 

currency its distinctive texture.

5. Gold 100

Look for a large gold numeral 100 on the back of the note. 

It helps those with visual impairments distinguish the 

denomination.

6. Microprinting 

Look carefully to see the small printed words THE UNITED 

STATES OF AMERICA on Benjamin Franklin’s jacket collar, 

USA 100 around the blank space containing the portrait 

watermark, ONE HUNDRED USA along the golden quill, 

and small 100s in the note borders. 

FW Indicator (not shown here)

The redesigned $100 notes printed in Fort Worth, Texas, 

will have a small FW in the top left corner on the front of 

the note, to the right of the numeral 100. If a note does not 

have an FW indicator, it was printed in Washington, D.C.

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The redesigned $50 note was first issued in 2004. It has 

three key security features that are easy to check: a security 

thread, portrait watermark, and color-shifting numeral 50. 

1. Security Thread 2. Portrait Watermark 3. Color-Shifting 50

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The redesigned $20 note was first issued in 2003. It has 

three key security features that are easy to check: a security 

thread, portrait watermark, and color-shifting numeral 20.

1. Security Thread 2. Portrait Watermark 3. Color-Shifting 20

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The redesigned $10 note was first issued in 2006. It has 

three key security features that are easy to check: a security 

thread, portrait watermark, and color-shifting numeral 10.

1. Security Thread 2. Portrait Watermark 3. Color-Shifting 10

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The redesigned $5 note was first issued in 2008. It has three key security 

features that are easy to check: a column of three small numeral 5 watermarks, 

a security thread, and a large numeral 5 watermark. 

1. Watermark: 

Column of three smaller 

numeral 5s

2. Security Thread 

 

3. Watermark: 

Large numeral 5

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Questions & Answers

Q: What should I do if I suspect a counterfeit note? 

A: If you receive a note that you suspect may be a counterfeit 

or if you question a note that is already in your possession, 

turn it over to local police. If the note is genuine it will be 

returned as soon as possible. If the note is counterfeit, you 

will not be reimbursed. It is against the law to knowingly 

pass a counterfeit note.

Q: Where can I learn more about U.S. currency changes? 

A: Go to our Web site, www.newmoney.gov, which includes 

additional information in multiple languages. 
It is not necessary to trade in your old-design notes for new ones. All U.S. currency remains legal tender, 

regardless of when it was issued.

www.newmoney.gov For educational use only. Item not for resale. Item #408 • 04/2010