Who Is the President on the Hundred Dollar Bill? The Fact Behind Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin is featured on the United States $100 bill, but he was never a President of the United States. Although frequently mistaken for a U.S. president due to his prominent placement on the largest circulating denomination, Franklin was a Founding Father, scientist, inventor, diplomat, and statesman who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Why Benjamin Franklin Is Featured on the $100 Bill

The misconception that Benjamin Franklin served as President of the United States stems largely from his portrait appearing on America's highest-denomination bill in active circulation. In reality, the U.S. Department of the Treasury selects individuals for currency based on their overarching historical impact on the nation, rather than executive office tenure alone.

Franklin is one of only two non-presidents portrayed on currently circulating U.S. paper money—the other being Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill. Franklin’s contributions to the founding of the republic, international diplomacy, economic philosophy, and scientific advancement earned him a permanent place on American currency.

Key Historical Contributions of Benjamin Franklin

• Signatory of Foundational Documents: Franklin holds the unique distinction of being the only Founding Father to sign all four major documents that established the United States: the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Treaty of Alliance with France (1778), the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War (1783), and the United States Constitution (1787).
• Diplomatic Legacy: As the first American Minister to France, Franklin secured essential military and financial support from Paris during the Revolutionary War, without which the American colonies might not have prevailed against Great Britain.
• Civic and Economic Innovations: Beyond politics, Franklin founded key institutions including the Post Office Department (serving as the first Postmaster General), the American Philosophical Society, the University of Pennsylvania, and the first public subscription library in North America.
• Pragmatic Economic Philosophy: Franklin was a vocal proponent of hard work, thrift, and sound fiscal policy. His writings, published under pen names like Poor Richard, helped shape the early American economic ethos, making his likeness particularly fitting for high-value currency.

The Historical Evolution of the $100 Bill

The $100 bill has undergone several major redesigns since its inception during the Civil War era. Benjamin Franklin was not always the face of the hundred-dollar note.

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Early Historic Denominations (1862–1913)

Prior to the establishment of the Federal Reserve System in 1913, the U.S. government issued various forms of paper currency, including Legal Tender Notes, National Bank Notes, Treasury Notes, and Gold Certificates. Several distinct historical figures appeared on $100 bills during this period:

1. 1862 Legal Tender Note: Featured Vignette of American Flora (representing Liberty) alongside an image of the Spread Eagle.
2. 1863 Interest-Bearing Note: Featured George Washington alongside allegorical depictions of Justice and Confederation.
3. 1869 "Rainbow" Note: Displayed a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the left side, along with a depiction of Reconstruction.
4. 1878 & 1880 Silver Certificates: Featured James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
5. 1890 Treasury Note: Portrayed Admiral David G. Farragut, a naval hero of the Civil War.
6. 1901 Legal Tender Note: Portrayed Admiral Oliver Hazard Perry, famous for his victory in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

The Federal Reserve Era (1914–Present)

With the passage of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, paper currency was standardized into Federal Reserve Notes. In 1914, the U.S. Treasury officially selected Benjamin Franklin to represent the $100 bill, a designation that has remained uninterrupted for over a century.

• 1914 Large-Size Federal Reserve Note: Featured a profile portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the front, with an allegorical engraving representing Labor, Plenty, America, Commerce, and Manufacture on the reverse.
• 1928 Small-Size Standardization: The Treasury scaled down all U.S. banknotes to their modern physical dimensions (6.14 x 2.61 inches). The reverse design was updated to feature Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.
• 1996 Redesign (Series 1996): To combat digital counterfeiting, the Treasury introduced a enlarged, off-center portrait of Franklin, a localized watermark, and color-shifting ink that changed from green to black when tilted.
• 2013 Redesign (Series 2009A/2013/2017A): The current generation of the $100 note incorporates advanced anti-counterfeiting visual technology, including a woven 3D Security Ribbon and a color-shifting Bell in the Inkwell.

Key Anti-Counterfeiting Security Features of the Modern $100 Bill

As the highest-denomination bill printed for public circulation in the United States, the $100 note is the primary target for domestic and international counterfeiters. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing utilizes sophisticated physical security features to protect the currency.

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Security Verification StandardAuthenticating a modern $100 Federal Reserve Note requires examining physical paper texture, optical variations, light transmission, and microscopic print elements. Authentic currency relies on custom 75% cotton and 25% linen paper infused with red and blue security fibers.

Primary Security Elements

1. 3D Security Ribbon: Woven directly into the paper—not printed on the surface—a blue ribbon located to the right of Franklin’s portrait displays images of bells and "100" numerals. When the bill is tilted back and forth, the bells and numerals shift side to side. When the bill is tilted side to side, they shift up and down.
2. Bell in the Inkwell: Located to the left of the 3D Security Ribbon is a copper-colored inkwell containing a metallic bell inside. When tilted, the bell changes color from copper to vibrant green, making it appear and disappear inside the inkwell.
3. Color-Shifting Ink: The large "100" numeral in the bottom right corner on the front of the note changes color from copper to green when the bill is tilted.
4. Portrait Watermark: Holding the bill up to a light source reveals a faint, secondary image of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the main portrait. The watermark is visible from both sides of the bill.
5. Embedded Security Thread: Running vertically to the left of Franklin’s portrait is a polymer thread embedded inside the paper. The thread displays the letters "USA" alternating with the number "100" along its length, visible from both sides under light. Under ultraviolet (UV) illumination, this thread glows bright pink/red.
6. Raised Intaglio Printing: Rubbing a finger across Franklin’s shoulder produces a distinct, rough texture resulting from heavy intaglio printing plates pressing thick ink deep into the cotton-linen fibers.
7. Microprinting: Precise microscopic text is embedded across the note. "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" appears on Franklin’s coat collar, "USA 100" is printed around the blank watermark area, "ONE HUNDRED USA" along the golden feather pen, and "100" along the borders.

Comparison of Figures on Circulating U.S. Banknotes

Understanding who appears on U.S. currency requires viewing all standard circulating denominations side-by-side. Only two notes depict historical leaders who were not American presidents.

How the U.S. Treasury Selects Currency Figures

The process of selecting individuals for placement on American currency is governed by strict federal laws and established executive procedures.

Legal Criteria and Regulations

Under Section 5114 of Title 31 of the United States Code (31 U.S.C. § 5114), the authority to determine the design, portraits, and security features of U.S. currency rests entirely with the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

Federal law establishes key mandatory rules governing currency portraits:

• Deceased Individuals Only: No living person can be depicted on United States paper currency or coins. This rule was established by Congress during the Civil War after Spencer Clark, Superintendent of the National Currency Bureau, printed his own portrait on five-cent fractional currency in 1866, causing public outrage.
• National Standing: Honorees must be historic figures whose achievements are universally recognized in American history.
• Final Authority: The Secretary of the Treasury holds sole statutory authority to approve new portraits and major structural redesigns without requiring a specific act of Congress, though Congressional input often influences long-term currency planning.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Verify an Authentic $100 Bill

When handling cash transactions—particularly involving high-value notes—performing quick visual and physical verification checks ensures protection against counterfeit money.

Verification Workflow

1. Check the Paper Feel:

   • Feel the surface of the bill. Authentic U.S. currency is printed on 75% cotton and 25% linen blend paper, giving it a crisp, slightly abrasive texture rather than smooth commercial wood-pulp paper.
   • Run your fingernail along Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder. You should feel raised ridges from the intaglio ink process.

2. Inspect the 3D Security Ribbon:

   • Locate the blue woven ribbon down the center-right of the note.
   • Move the bill back and forth while watching the blue ribbon. Verify that the rendered bells and "100" digits move laterally or vertically in opposition to the angle of movement.

3. Check for Color-Shifting Elements:

   • Tilt the note to examine the Bell in the Inkwell (to the left of the ribbon).
   • Confirm that the bell changes color from solid copper to bright emerald green.
   • Examine the large numerical "100" in the lower right corner on the front, confirming identical copper-to-green color shifting.

4. Hold the Bill to a Light Source:

   • Look through the paper to the right of Franklin's main portrait. Ensure the faint watermark portrait of Franklin is visible from both front and back.
   • Locate the embedded vertical plastic thread to the left of the portrait, reading "USA 100" along its length.

5. Examine with Ultraviolet (UV) Light (For Businesses):

   • Place the bill under a 365nm UV lamp.
   • Verify that the security thread embedded to the left of the portrait fluoresces in a distinct pink/red color. Counterfeit bills using bleach or commercial paper will either glow entirely blue or display no glowing thread at all.

Common Misconceptions About the $100 Bill

Misconception 1: Benjamin Franklin Was the 15th President

Because Franklin is listed among major historical leaders like Washington ($1), Jefferson ($2), Lincoln ($5), and Grant ($50), many students and citizens assume he must have served in the White House. Franklin died in 1790, just one year after George Washington assumed office as the nation's first President under the new Constitution. Franklin served as the President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania (a role equivalent to a state governor today), but never held federal executive office.

Misconception 2: High-Denomination Notes ($500 to $100,000) Are Still Printed

While the $100 bill is currently the largest bill printed for public circulation, the U.S. government previously issued notes in denominations of $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, and $100,000.

• The $500 note featured President William McKinley.
• The $1,000 note featured President Grover Cleveland.
• The $5,000 note featured President James Madison.
• The $10,000 note featured Chief Justice and Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase.
• The $100,000 Gold Certificate featured President Woodrow Wilson (used exclusively for internal transfers between Federal Reserve banks).

In 1969, the Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve discontinued these high-denomination notes due to declining usage and anti-money laundering concerns. The $100 bill remains the highest-value banknote produced for general circulation.

Misconception 3: The Time on Independence Hall Shows 4:20

A persistent urban legend claims that the clock tower on Independence Hall on the reverse of the $100 bill displays 4:20. On the standard Series 1928 through 1996 redesigns, the clock hands actually read approximately 4:10. On the modern 3D $100 note introduced in 2013, the engraved clock hands on Independence Hall point to 10:30. There is no official record indicating symbolic intent behind either specific time setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Benjamin Franklin ever a U.S. President?

No, Benjamin Franklin was never President of the United States. He was a Founding Father, scientist, author, diplomat, and statesman who served as the first U.S. Postmaster General and Minister to France, but he passed away in 1790 after serving in state governance.

Who are the two non-presidents on current U.S. banknotes?

The two non-presidents on standard circulating paper money are Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill and Benjamin Franklin on the $100 bill. Hamilton was the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury, while Franklin was a key Founding Father and diplomat.

What building is featured on the back of the $100 bill?

Independence Hall, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is depicted on the reverse of the $100 bill. This building is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed.

What is the lifetime of a $100 bill in circulation?

According to Federal Reserve estimates, a $100 bill has an average lifespan of approximately 22.9 years. Because higher-denomination bills are stored as reserves or held in savings rather than passed daily in retail transactions, they last significantly longer than $1 or $5 bills, which typically wear out in 6 to 7 years.

Is the $100 bill the highest denomination ever created by the U.S.?

No, the U.S. Treasury previously printed $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, and $100,000 bills. However, all currency printed above the $100 denomination was officially halted in production in 1945 and formally discontinued from distribution in 1969.

Summary and Practical Advice

While Benjamin Franklin was never a U.S. President, his foundational contributions to American independence, science, economic philosophy, and international diplomacy earned him a permanent position on the $100 bill. When handling high-value currency, always verify security features—such as the 3D Security Ribbon, color-shifting ink, and embedded UV security thread—to ensure authenticity during transactions.