In circulation since: 1999

Size: 156 x 66 mm

Paper: White

Watermark:

Located, gradual, figural

Security thread:

React whenexposed to UV, windowed, with positive microprint USA 20

Security fibres: Visible

Obverse:

Intaglio printing, letterpress

Revers:

Intaglio printing

Microprint:

Positive USA 20

Microprint2:

Positive THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

OVI: Nominal value

Microlettering:

This print appears as a thin line to the naked eye, but the lettering easily can be read using a low-power magnifier. The resolution of most current copiers is not sufficient to copy such fine print.  On the $100 notes, microprinting appears in the lower left corner numeral and on Benjamin Franklin's coat. In 1990, 1993 and 1995 series notes, "The United States of America" is printed repeatedly in a line outside the portrait frame.

Watermark 

The watermark is formed by varying paper density in a small area during the papermaking process. The image is visible as darker and lighter areas when held up to the light. Since the watermark does not copy on color copiers or scanners, it makes it harder to use lower denomination paper to print counterfeit notes in higher denominations and is a good way to authenticate the note. It depicts the same historical figure as the engraved portrait.

Security thread:

A security thread is a thin thread or ribbon running through a bank note substrate. All 1990 series and later notes, except the $1, include this feature. The note’s denomination is printed on the thread. The thread in the new notes glows when held under a long-wave ultraviolet light, in the new $100 note it glows red. Since it is visible in transmitted light, but not in reflected light, the thread is difficult to copy with a color copier which uses reflected light to generate an image. Using a unique thread position for each denomination guards against certain counterfeit techniques, such as bleaching ink off a lower denomination and using the paper to "reprint" the bill as a higher value note.