New $100 debut slated for April 21

The new $100 Federal Reserve Note will be introduced to the public April 21 in a special ceremony in the Treasury Department’s ornate Cash Room.

The new $100 Federal Reserve Note will be introduced to the public April 21 in a special ceremony in the Treasury Department’s ornate Cash Room.

Underscoring the importance of the event, the list of dignitaries includes Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios and Federal Reserve Board Chairman Benjamin Bernanke.

The facsimile signatures of the first two will appear on all issues of U.S. paper money starting with the new Series 2009 issues.

“The unveiling of the $100 note is the first step in a global multi-government agency public education program ... to educate those who use the $100 note about its changes before it begins circulating,” according to a BEP press release.

Speculation centers around what new types of security devices will be embedded in the design rather than what public figure might appear on the new $100. It is expected that additional color will be added as has been done already for the $5, 10, $20 and $50. Security against counterfeiting is the impetus behind the changes being made to the $100 note.

Answering the question about new security features, free training materials for cash handlers as well as other public education resources will be made available in 25 languages when the ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time at www.newmoney.gov.

Paper money collectors have been waiting at least six years for the new design to make its appearance. It was the next denomination due for changes when Ronald Reagan died in 2004.
The death of the 40th President of the United States prompted speculation in hobby circles that his image could be placed on the redesigned note. That speculation led nowhere.

The last note to be given a face-lift was the $5 denomination in 2008.

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