Which President Is on the 100 Dollar Bill?
The United States currency has a rich history, with various portraits of notable figures gracing its denominations. One of the most frequently asked questions about American currency is, “Which president is on the 100 dollar bill?” The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it might seem, as the portrait on the 100 dollar bill has changed over time. Let’s take a closer look at the history of the 100 dollar bill and the presidents who have graced its front side.
The original 100 dollar bill was introduced in 1861, featuring the portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. This bill was the first to include a portrait of a U.S. president, and it was a bold move by the government to honor the nation’s 16th president during the Civil War. The portrait of Lincoln remained on the 100 dollar bill for over a century, making it the longest-serving president on the currency.
In 1976, the design of the 100 dollar bill was updated to celebrate the bicentennial of the United States. This new design featured a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, who was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and played a crucial role in the nation’s early history. The portrait of Franklin was accompanied by images of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, symbolizing the nation’s independence and the contributions of its founding figures.
The 100 dollar bill was redesigned again in 1996 to include a new security feature called the “color-shifting ink.” This feature made the bill more difficult to counterfeit and helped to protect the currency from fraud. The 1996 redesign retained the portrait of Franklin, as he remained a prominent figure in American history.
However, the portrait of Franklin was replaced in 2013 with a new design that featured a portrait of President Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton, who was the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury, was chosen for this honor due to his significant contributions to the economic development of the United States. The new design also incorporated elements from the original 100 dollar bill, such as the Great Seal of the United States and the portrait of Franklin.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Which president is on the 100 dollar bill?” has evolved over time. Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton have all graced the front of the 100 dollar bill, each playing a crucial role in the history and development of the United States. The currency continues to evolve, reflecting the nation’s history and its most influential figures.
