How to Check if a 100 Dollar Bill Is Real

To determine if a 100 dollar bill is real, rub it between your fingers to see if you can feel any raised ink. If you can't, the bill is probably fake. Make sure the portrait of Ben Franklin looks realistic, sharp, and highly-detailed. You can also hold the bill up to a light to see if it's real. With the portrait of Franklin facing you, look for a watermark that says "100 USA" to the left of the portrait and a ghost copy of the portrait on the right side of the bill. If they're not there, the bill likely isn't real. If you have a newer 100 dollar bill with a blue ribbon on it, move the paper back and forth at an angle. You should see small, blue 100s reflected inside of the blue strip. There should also be an orange ink container for a quill pen next to the blue strip with a liberty bell inside that shines when you move the bill.