If you’ve ever found an old 100 dollar bill tucked away in a drawer or wallet, you might have wondered what makes it different from the bills you see today. These older notes (printed before 2013) may look familiar but carry a lot of history and subtle design details that newer bills don’t have. Some people keep them for travel, others as part of a collection, and some just enjoy the nostalgic feel of Benjamin Franklin’s timeless portrait.
Old 100 dollar bills have a unique charm: the texture of the paper, the simpler design, and the variations in seals and serial numbers all tell a story of how U.S. currency evolved over the decades. Understanding these details can help you recognize whether your bill is just cash or a small collectible in closer look.
This banknote was a part of American life for over 150 years, and its design has gone through many changes. So, below you can see some interesting points to know:
First issue in the 1860s – the original “large size” notes were much bigger and looked nothing like today’s bills
Redesign in 1929 – standardized smaller size introduced, green-and-black color scheme became the norm
Benjamin Franklin becomes the face – chosen for his reputation as a statesman, inventor, and symbol of American achievement
Tweaks over the years – minor adjustments affected the Treasury seal, Federal Reserve seal, and lettering styles
Collector’s detail – some older bills feature seals and serial numbers in unusual colors such as blue, red, or green
Collector’s tip: Always check the series year and print details. Some older bills, especially in pristine condition or with unusual serial numbers, for example a bill with the serial number “00000001” or a repeating pattern like “12344321”, can be worth more than face value.
When we talk about old $100 bills, we mean those printed before 2013 — before the latest security features were added. So, please refer to the table below to see a simple comparison to highlight the differences:
Feature | Old $100 (pre-2013) | New $100 (2013 and later) |
Main design | Classic Franklin portrait, plain background | Franklin portrait with larger frame and more background details |
Paper | Traditional cotton-linen blend | Same blend with embedded security threads |
Ink | Standard green and black | Color-shifting ink (copper to green) |
Security | Basic watermark in later series | 3D security ribbon, watermark, microprinting |
Serial numbers | Standard sequence | Fancy numbers more recognized by collectors |
Another interesting detail is how subtle design differences can help you spot older bills at a glance. Look at the portrait frame, the size of the numerals, and the style of the Treasury seal. These small features not only tell you the bill’s age but also help avoid confusion when exchanging money abroad, since some countries are more cautious with older notes.
Even though old 0 bills are still technically legal tender, they’re not always treated equally at banks or exchange offices. Many tellers are extra cautious when handling older notes, and some places might refuse them outright. Why? There are a few main reasons:
Higher risk of counterfeiting – older bills don’t have the advanced security features found on the 2013 redesign, like the 3D security ribbon or color-shifting ink. That makes it easier for counterfeiters to copy them.
Weaker physical protection – the paper and ink on older bills can wear down faster, making them harder to verify or process in machines.
International banking rules – some banks abroad have strict regulations and prefer the newest series for deposits and currency exchange.
If you’re planning to travel or make a deposit, it’s safer to exchange old bills at a major bank rather than a small exchange office. And if you know you’ll be traveling internationally, it’s a good idea to swap older notes for the newer version before you leave. This is the best way to avoid any awkward refusals or delays.
There are a lot of stories floating around about old $100 bills, some true, some exaggerated. Many people assume that if a bill looks a bit worn or lacks the new blue security ribbon, it’s no longer safe to use or even legally valid. Let’s clear up the most common misconceptions and see what’s fact and what’s fiction.
Myth 1: Old $100 bills aren’t legal tender anymore.
Reality: Every dollar ever issued remains legal currency. That means whether your bill was printed in 1996, 2003, or any year before the 2013 redesign, it can still be spent in the United States. Businesses and banks cannot refuse it just because it’s older. The key difference is that older bills might be checked more carefully for authenticity.
Myth 2: You can’t pay with old bills in the U.S.
Reality: U.S. stores and banks do accept them. While it’s true that tellers may take a moment longer to inspect older bills, especially if they show wear or faded ink, these notes are fully valid. Some machines may reject them temporarily, but a simple manual check usually solves the problem. For everyday transactions, old $100 bills work just like the newer ones.
Myth 3: Every old $100 bill is worth more than face value.
Reality: Only a few older bills carry additional collectible value. Typically, this includes notes with rare series, special print runs, or unusual serial numbers, such as low numbers or fancy repeating patterns. Most old $100 bills, however, are worth exactly their face value. So unless your bill has some distinctive feature, don’t assume it’s a collectible jewel.
Myth 4: Old $100 bills are accepted everywhere abroad.
Reality: Not always. In many countries, especially in parts of Asia and Africa, businesses and banks prefer the latest U.S. notes. Here older bills can be rejected or only accepted for deposits (not for cash transactions). This is partly because older notes are easier to counterfeit and harder to verify in foreign machines. Travelers may be asked to exchange older bills at a bank rather than paying in cash at a hotel or store.
Old $100 bills can be more than just cash, as they can tell a story, surprise you with collectible value, or even make for a fun little hobby. Here’s how to treat them smartly:
Spot the unobvious details and always take a closer look at the portrait frame, Treasury seal, and serial numbers. These tiny differences reveal the bill’s age and sometimes hint at collectible value.
Handle with care, as older bills wear out faster, so fold them gently and avoid carrying them loosely in pockets or wallets.
Keep a small stash for special occasions. If a bill has an unusual series or eye-catching serial number, save it for showing friends, collectors, or even as a unique gift.
Use protective storage for your bills, as flat storage in holders or sleeves keeps the paper crisp and ink vibrant, preserving its further potential value.
Think before you spend abroad. Even if technically valid, some older $100 bills can cause delays or refusal in foreign countries. Keep a few for domestic use and exchange the rest if you travel.
Check value and manage your information about bills efficiently. Carefully inspect and catalog both coins and notes with the Coin ID Scanner app to understand their potential value.
Old $100 bills may not be as convenient as the newest notes, but they still carry value — sometimes practical, sometimes collectible. Their true worth depends on rarity, condition, and context. So, the important part here is knowing the facts, handling them carefully, and not falling for myths. A little attention can turn an old bill into an interesting and sometimes collectible thing.
