Changes in the $100 bill since 1860

The U.S. Treasury Department today unveiled a high-tech makeover of the $100 bill, the first major redesign since 1996. It’s part of an effort to stay ahead of counterfeiters as technology becomes more sophisticated and more dollars flow overseas, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said. Here is the new version of the $100 bill, as well as past incarnations back to 1860.

And watch a video showing how the new $100 bill is produced by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing here.

Sources: The American Numismatic Association; Craig Karmin, “Biography of the Dollar;” Manning Garrett, www.oldcurrencyvalues.com; Wikipedia; Fresian.com