The $100 dollar bill is one of the most recognizable and widely used denominations of U.S. currency. But how much do you really know about the man on the front? Contrary to popular belief, it's not actually a president, but rather one of the Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Born in 1706, Franklin was a polymath and statesman who played a crucial role in the American Revolution and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
While Franklin may be the face of the $100 bill, there has been controversy and speculation about potentially replacing him with another famous figure. In 2019, a satirical article claimed that Walt Disney would replace Franklin on the bill in honor of the 100th anniversary of his company's inception. However, this claim was quickly debunked by multiple sources.
Counterfeit $100 bills are also a significant issue in the U.S., with criminals using increasingly sophisticated methods to produce fake currency. In 2021, the Cedar Rapids Police issued a warning to Iowans about counterfeit $100 bills being passed around. Meanwhile, in Quincy, Massachusetts, a man was caught counterfeiting over $467,000 in U.S. currency.
Inflation is another factor that affects the use and value of the $100 bill. As the value of the dollar fluctuates, people may choose to hold onto cash as a store of value rather than investing it in other assets. This has led to high demand for dollars, even in countries where the local currency is significantly weaker. However, exchanging dollars for pesos or other currencies can be complicated and often requires going through a bank or financial institution.
Despite these challenges, the $100 bill remains a popular and enduring symbol of American currency. According to the International Monetary Fund, the $100 bill is the most widely circulated U.S. denomination outside of the country, with an estimated 80% of all U.S. dollars held abroad being in the form of $100 bills.
One interesting fact about the $100 bill is that it has a longer lifespan than most other denominations. While the average lifespan of a $1 bill is just 5.8 years, the $100 bill can last up to 15 years in circulation. In fact, there are still some $100 bills from the 1930s that are still in circulation today.
In addition to Benjamin Franklin, there is another famous figure who may soon be featured on the $100 bill. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the inception of The Walt Disney Company, there have been rumors that the image of Walt Disney himself may be added to the currency. However, at this time, these rumors remain unconfirmed.
Unfortunately, the $100 bill has also been the subject of criminal activity, including theft and fraud. In Washington state, the Everett Police are currently seeking the public's help in identifying a man who recently passed a fake $100 bill to an 11-year-old boy.
In conclusion, the $100 bill is a fascinating and complex symbol of American currency. While Benjamin Franklin may be the face of the bill for now, there is always the possibility of change in the future. Whether you're a collector, a criminal, or just someone who appreciates the value of a good bill, the $100 dollar bill is sure to remain a fixture of American life for many years to come.
