Why is Ben Franklin on the $100 bill if he wasn't a president?
Asked by: Wilmer Kub | Last update: May 29, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (71 votes)
Benjamin Franklin is on the $100 bill because of his immense contributions as a Founding Father, diplomat, inventor, and statesman, not as a president; his role in drafting key documents like the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, securing French alliances, and being a key figure in American identity made him a national icon worthy of the honor, representing intellect and civic dedication.
Why is Benjamin Franklin on the $100 bill if he wasn't a President?
His technological advancements and his role in shaping democratic principles made him a national icon. Unlike other figures on US currency, the portrait of Benjamin Franklin represents his intellect and diplomacy rather than political authority, making his presence on the 100-dollar bill particularly fitting.
Is Franklin the only non-President on money?
As the nation's first Treasury secretary, Hamilton is one of two non-presidents to be featured on U.S. paper currency (the other is Benjamin Franklin). While Hamilton's portrait is seen on the front, the reverse shows the U.S. Treasury Building.
Why is Benjamin on the 100$?
He helped lay the philosophical groundwork for American economic life. He believed that honest work, careful saving, and civic responsibility were essential to a thriving society. His face on the $100 bill reminds us that the value of money isn't just in what it buys—but in the ideas and trust that back it.
Was Ben Franklin always on the $100 bill?
Who Is On The $100 Bill? Since the introduction of the $100 as a Federal Reserve note in 1914, its obverse has featured Founding Father Benjamin Franklin.
Why the $1 Bill Hasn’t Been Redesigned in Over 60 Years | WSJ Pro Perfected
Who is on the $500 dollar bill?
Who is on the $500 bill? The most widely recognized $500 bill features William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. Earlier versions displayed historical figures such as John Quincy Adams and Chief Justice John Marshall.
Which dollar bill is worth $150,000?
A $1 bill could be worth up to $150,000 if it's part of a rare misprinted pair with duplicate serial numbers, featuring the "Series 2013," a "B" Federal Reserve Seal, and a star () at the end of the serial number, with numbers falling within specific ranges (B00000001-B00250000* or B03200001*-B09600000*). These bills were printed in 2014 and 2016 but were overlooked, creating millions of these unique pairs collectors are seeking, though only a few have been found.
What President is on a $1000 bill?
The President featured on the U.S. $1,000 bill, particularly the popular 1928 and 1934 series, was Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th U.S. President, chosen for his fiscal conservatism, though he wasn't the first figure on the denomination, with earlier versions featuring other notable figures. These large-denomination bills, last printed in 1945 and discontinued in 1969, are now rare collector's items, with their true value far exceeding their face value.
How much is a 1969 $100 bill worth?
A 1969 $100 bill (Federal Reserve Note, small portrait) is generally worth a small premium over its face value, often ranging from around $125 to $200+, but values heavily depend on condition; uncirculated notes or those with low serial numbers or "star" notes (indicating a replacement) can command higher prices, sometimes hundreds of dollars, while heavily circulated notes might only fetch slightly more than $100, according to sites like US Currency Auctions and eBay.
Whose face is hidden on the $100 bill?
The "hidden face" on the modern $100 bill isn't a different person but a faint watermark of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space, visible when held to light, alongside other features like a 3-D security ribbon with shifting bells and 100s, and microprinting, all designed to combat counterfeiting. While some people perceive other figures in the subtle watermark, it is officially Franklin, appearing slightly different due to the printing process, say some users on forums like RighterTrack.
Why is the $100,000 bill illegal to own?
It's illegal for private citizens to own a $100,000 bill because it was never meant for public circulation, serving only as a high-value gold certificate for official transactions between Federal Reserve Banks; most were destroyed, and those remaining are held by the government for educational or archival purposes, with private possession restricted due to its historical use as a massive, gold-backed accounting tool.
How much is a $2.00 bill worth today?
Most $2 bills are worth face value, but older bills (pre-1928) with red, brown, or blue seals, uncirculated condition, or rare serial numbers (like star notes, solids, or radars) can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, with some 1890 notes fetching $4,500+. Look for the date and seal color; modern bills (post-1976) are usually just $2 unless they have a unique error or number.
Who is on the $50,000 bill today?
Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States, has been on the $50 bill since it began circulation in 1913. The only other non-president to be featured on paper currency is Benjamin Franklin.
What $2 bill is worth $20,000?
A $2 bill worth $20,000 is typically a 1928 Series Red Seal (especially 1928-B Star Note) in uncirculated condition, a 1976 Bicentennial bill with a low serial number like 00000001, or an older, pre-1900 note (like an 1890 Treasury Note), often with unique serial numbers (ladder, solid) or errors, but most $2 bills are only worth face value.
Can a living person be on U.S. currency?
Only the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities.
What is the rarest $100 bill?
The rarest $100 bills aren't modern ones but historical issues like the 1863 $100 Gold Certificate (only three known) and the 1878 $100 Silver Certificate (four known), which sell for hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars, though errors, low serial numbers, and star notes in newer bills can also be very valuable.
Is a $20 bill from 1969 worth anything?
The value of the 1969 $20 Federal Reserve Note in uncirculated condition depends on factors such as its rarity, serial number, and overall market demand. Notes with lower serial numbers, or those that are uniquely marked, may hold added appeal for collectors and can command higher prices.
Is the 2009 dollar still valid in 2024?
Do I have to trade in my old-design notes when a new one begins circulating? No, you do not have to trade in your old-design notes for new ones. All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued.
Are ripped $100 bills worth anything?
Lawful holders of mutilated currency may receive a redemption at full value when: Clearly more than 50% of a note identifiable as United States currency is present, along with sufficient remnants of any relevant security feature; or.
Is it legal to own a $500 bill?
Yes, it's legal to own a $500 bill, as it remains U.S. currency that is still legal tender and can technically be used for its face value, but it's extremely rare and usually worth far more to collectors than $500 due to its scarcity. While the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing discontinued printing large denominations like $500 notes in 1969, any in circulation are considered valuable collector's items, often selling for thousands of dollars, so banks send them for destruction.
Which U.S. president is on the $5000 bill?
The U.S. $5,000 bill features James Madison, the fourth U.S. President, on its face, a tradition that began in 1918 and continued through later series like the 1928 and 1934 Federal Reserve Notes, though these large denominations were discontinued in 1969 and are now collector's items, not in general circulation.
Who is on the $10,000 bill today?
The largest U.S. bill ever in circulation was the $10,000 bill, which was issued until 1945. As of May 30, 2009, only 336 of these large bills have been known to survive. Salmon P. Chase is depicted on the bill.
Why is the $100,000 bill illegal to own?
The $100,000 bill (1934 Gold Certificate) is illegal for private citizens to own because it was never intended for public circulation, used only for large transactions between Federal Reserve Banks and the Treasury for gold, and private possession became illegal after the U.S. went off the gold standard, with surviving notes now held by the government for museums or educational displays.
Does a $3 bill exist?
No, the U.S. government does not currently issue a $3 bill, with standard currency only going up to $100, but some private banks issued them historically, and novelty/fantasy $3 bills exist, like those featuring Bill Clinton, plus other countries (like the Cook Islands) have issued them. The U.S. did have a $3 gold coin, minted from 1854-1889, but no federal paper $3 bill.
What is the rarest dollar bill?
The rarest and most valuable $1 bill is often considered the 1890 $1 Treasury Note (Morgan Dollar Note) or the 1896 $1 Silver Certificate ("Educational Series"), with some notes selling for thousands or even millions depending on condition and specific variations, though specific bills like a 1928D Star Note in top condition can fetch nearly $100,000, while error notes, such as those with misaligned prints or rare serial numbers (like "star notes"), also command high prices.