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New features used on the Series 1996 $100 FRNs
Universal seal
Represents the entire Federal Reserve System. Older issues feature a seal that displays
the name of the issuing Federal Reserve Bank with a capital letter in the center of the
seal corresponding to the FR Bank. The district number also appears in four locations on
the current notes.
 On the new design, the Federal Reserve seal is still located to the left of the
portrait but simply states UNITED STATES FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM. A letter and number,
located below the serial number at the upper left side of the note, will identify the
issuing bank.
Larger portrait
Provides more detail making it harder to counterfeit. The off-center placement provides
room for a watermark. The relocation is also expected to reduce the wear on the portrait
because the notes are frequently folded.
Watermark
Visible only when held up to the light. The watermark will depict the same historical
figure as the portrait. This is designed to make it harder to use lower denomination paper
to print counterfeit higher denominations. The watermark, which is made during the
paper-making process, cannot be reproduced on color copiers.
Color-shifting ink
Changes from green to black when viewed from different angles. A selective inking process
during the intaglio printing of the
face of the note applies the color-shifting ink. The
pigments used are complex materials which filter light at different angles.
Concentric fine-line patterns
A type of line structure developed by the BEP that appears normal to the human eye but is
difficult for current scanning equipment to properly resolve. The lines become imprecise
when copied. The concentric fine lines can be found behind Franklin's portrait, the top
two numerals and in the corners of the border of the face. There are concentric fine lines
behind the vignette and in the numerals on the back.
Serial numbers
A second prefix letter was added. The serial number retains eight numerals and a
one-letter suffix. The first letter of the prefix will designate the series (A represents
Series 1996). The second letter of the prefix will designate the Federal Reserve Bank to
which the note was issued.
The new Series 1996 notes will continue to use two features already in use: a security
thread embedded in the paper and microprinting.
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