The Latest Counterfeiting Technology is On the Money
It seems like just yesterday that greenbacks were pulled out of circulation in favor of big faced, colorful bills designed to make counterfeiting more difficult. If you’re lucky enough to still be seeing Benjamins on a regular basis, you may notice a bit more bling on your buck. Obviously someone at the Federal Reserve got the message about bright colors, patterns and prints having a positive effect on the economy.
The new $100 bill will have a 3D security ribbon with a double image of the number 100 and (what we guess are liberty) bells that alternate as you tilt the bill. {DVICE} But the redesign doesn’t stop there! A copper inkwell changes color when you move the bill, and that’s on top of the 1996 changes that included a watermark, security thread, a tie-dye-esque multi-color paper and color shifting number 100.
It definitely seems like this will make it more difficult for aspiring counterfeiters with an inkjet printer and toilet paper {Details} to pass off realistic looking fakes. Though we have to say, doesn’t this seem like the result of too many late nights with flashy millionaires?
Millionaire: “You know, I’m thinking about getting into music, and I want to flash money, but this current design… it just doesn’t pop. I might have to switch to Euros.”
Federal Reserve designer: “We’re working on it, we’re thinking about adding some color. What do you think about a bright stripe right down the middle?”
Millionaire: “Not enough!”
Federal Reserve designer: “Okay, what if we make it 3D?!”
Millionaire: “I’m listening…”
Federal Reserve designer: “And then add little 100s and some bells”
Millionaire: “Go on”
Federal Reserve designer: “Oooh, oh! Then we could do an overlay that looks like a tattoo of the constitution. I know Ed Hardy’s big, we could work that style in there”
Millionaire: “Now that I can throw at the camera! That’s hot, but I think that’s eno–”
Federal Reserve designer: “–And then we make part of it shine! And change color in the light!”
Millionaire: “Uhrmm…”
At least that’s how we think the design process went. Flashy millionaires, rappers who want to bring the 90s back and people who just like their C-notes with a little bit of pizazz can pick up one of the new $100 bills on February 10, 2011.
