How to Know If a 100 Dollar Bill Is Real in 2025

When handling cash, it’s important to ensure your bills are genuine, especially when dealing with high-value currency like the $100 bill. Counterfeit money is a common issue, and fake bills are becoming more convincing with technological advancements. Knowing how to verify the authenticity of your $100 bill is crucial for protecting yourself from financial losses. In this guide, we’ll explore whether a $100 bill is real, how to identify fake U.S. dollar notes, and ways to distinguish between prop money and real money.

How to Know If a 100-Dollar Bill Is Real?

One of the most straightforward ways to determine if a $100 bill is real is to look for several key security features that are incorporated into the design of U.S. currency. These features are intended to make counterfeiting difficult, and understanding them will help you confidently verify a bill’s authenticity.

Watermark: The $100 bill features a subtle watermark of Benjamin Franklin, visible when you hold the bill up to the light. This is one of the most effective ways to tell if a bill is real. The watermark should be visible on both sides of the note.
Security Thread: A security thread runs vertically through the bill and is visible when held up to the light. How to Know If a 100 Dollar Bill Is Real. The thread is embedded in the bill, not printed on the surface, and will glow blue when exposed to UV light. You can also see the text “USA 100” written on the thread.
Color-Shifting Ink: One of the most noticeable features on a genuine $100 bill is the color-shifting ink used in the number “100” located in the bottom right corner. When you tilt the bill, the number changes color from copper to green, making it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.
Raised Printing: The texture of genuine U.S. currency is raised, which can be felt by running your fingers over the bill. The raised ink is a unique feature that helps people identify counterfeit bills through touch.
Microprinting: U.S. currency features microprinting in various places, such as on Benjamin Franklin’s collar, the borders of the bill, and around the security thread. How to Know If a 100 Dollar Bill Is Real. These tiny words are hard to replicate with counterfeit printing methods.
Holographic Ribbon: The $100 bill includes a 3D security ribbon woven into the paper. How to Know If a 100 Dollar Bill Is Real. When you tilt the bill, you’ll see images of bells and 100s that shift in color, adding another layer of complexity to the bill’s security features.

How Do You Know If Money Is Prop Money?

Prop money is typically used in films, television shows, and other productions for non-circulating purposes. While prop money is designed to look realistic, it is not intended for actual exchange. If you’re wondering whether the bill you have is real or prop money, there are several ways to distinguish the two:

Text on the Bill: Prop money often includes the phrase “For Motion Picture Use Only” or similar text printed across the bill. This is usually visible when you closely examine the bill, either on the front or back.
Paper Texture: Prop money is typically printed on paper that feels different from genuine U.S. currency. It may be made of a less durable material, such as regular paper or low-quality cotton-based paper, instead of the specialized cotton-linen blend used for real bills.
No Security Features: Unlike real U.S. currency, prop money does not have security features like watermarks, security threads, or color-shifting ink. If you do not see these characteristics, it is likely prop money.
Size and Color: Prop money may be slightly off in terms of size or color. Real bills are carefully sized and colored according to U.S. Mint specifications, while prop money might have subtle differences.

How to Identify Fake USD Notes?

Identifying fake U.S. dollar notes can be tricky, especially when counterfeiters use advanced techniques to replicate genuine bills. Here are some common methods to identify fake notes:

Inspect the Paper: Genuine U.S. currency is made from a special cotton-lin blend that feels distinct to the touch. Fake bills may feel like regular paper or have a glossy finish.
Look for Watermarks: As mentioned earlier, the watermark on a genuine bill is a clear indicator of authenticity. If you do not see a watermark, the bill is likely counterfeit.
Check the Serial Number: Each U.S. dollar bill has a unique serial number. If the serial number is poorly printed, uneven, or smudged, this could be a sign that the bill is fake.
Ultraviolet Light Test: Under UV light, genuine U.S. bills will reveal hidden features, such as the security thread that glows under light. Fake bills generally lack this feature or have it incorrectly positioned.
Examine the Printing: Real U.S. currency uses a complex printing process that creates fine lines and intricate details. Fake bills often have blurry or inconsistent printing, especially in the smaller text and fine details.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Prop Money and Fake Money?

While both prop money and counterfeit money can appear similar at first glance, there are significant differences between the two:

Legality: Prop money is legal to possess and use in films and theater productions, but it cannot be used for actual transactions. Counterfeit money is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences.
Security Features: Real Money contains several advanced security features, including watermarks, security threads, and color-shifting ink. How to Know If a 100 Dollar Bill Is Real. Prop money and fake money generally lack these features, though prop money may mimic them poorly.
Quality of Paper: Prop money may have a cheaper feel and be made from lower-quality materials compared to genuine bills. Fake money may feel almost identical to real currency but will fail security tests like the UV light test.

Can You Buy it with Prop Money?

No, prop money cannot be used in legitimate transactions. It is intended solely for use in movies, television shows, theme parks, or other non-commercial purposes. Using prop money in real-life situations is illegal and can lead to criminal charges. If you’re ever caught using prop money as real currency, you may face serious consequences, including fines or imprisonment.

How Do I Know If My Money Is Real?

To determine whether your money is real, use the following methods:

Check for Watermarks and Security Thread: Hold the bill up to the light to check for a watermark and embedded security thread.
Feel the Texture: Run your fingers over the bill. Real currency feels slightly rough due to the raised printing, while fake bills may feel smooth.
Use a UV Light: Check the bill under a UV light to confirm the presence of security features such as glowing threads.
Inspect the Serial Number: A real bill will have a unique, clearly printed serial number.

How to Print Fake Prop Money?

While it’s technically possible to print prop money using a high-quality printer, it is important to note that doing so is illegal if the bills are made to resemble real currency too closely. U.S. law strictly prohibits the creation of counterfeit bills, and making or distributing fake money is a federal offense. Prop money used in films and productions is carefully regulated to ensure it does not resemble real currency too closely, and it is clearly marked as “for motion picture use only” or “replica.”

If you need prop money for theatrical or artistic purposes, you should purchase it from reputable suppliers who produce legal, clearly labeled fake bills for use in films and events.

How to Know Fake 1 Dollar?

While counterfeiters typically target higher denominations like $100, fake $1 bills do exist. The same methods used for detecting fake $100 bills apply to $1 bills as well:

Examine the Paper: Real $1 bills are made of a cotton-linen blend and will feel different from regular paper.
Look for Security Features: While $1 bills do not have as many security features as higher denominations, they still include a security thread and microprinting that should be visible under close inspection. How to Know If a 100 Dollar Bill Is Real.

How Do I Know If My Payment Is Real or Fake?

If you’re receiving cash as payment, always take steps to verify its authenticity. Use the methods outlined in this article—such as checking the watermark, security thread, and color-shifting ink. Additionally, be cautious of any bill that feels unusually light or has blurry printing. If in doubt, use a counterfeit detection pen or visit your local bank to have the bill checked.

How to Check US Dollar Serial Number?

The serial number on a U.S. dollar bill can provide useful information about its authenticity. You can check the serial number for the following:

Check for Consistency: The serial number should be evenly printed, without any smudges or discrepancies.
Verify the Number’s Uniqueness: Each bill has a unique serial number. If multiple bills have identical serial numbers, they are counterfeit.

How Much Is a 2017 Dollar Bill Worth?

A 2017 dollar bill is worth its face value, which is $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, or $100, depending on the denomination. While the year on the bill does not directly affect its value, the condition of the bill can. If the bill is in mint condition, it might be worth more to collectors, but a 2017 dollar bill typically will not carry any premium unless it is a rare printing error.