How to Spot Fake $100 Bills: The Secret Alphabet Code

How to Spot Fake $100 Bills

The Little-Known Security Feature Most People Miss

At PennyVerse.info, we’re always researching ways to help you protect your money. While most people know about the pen test and security strip, there’s a hidden alphabet code in every genuine $100 bill that counterfeiters often get wrong.

Decoding the Federal Reserve Indicator

Where to Look:

  1. Locate the black Federal Reserve seal (left side of bill)
  2. Find the tiny letter and number combination near the seal
    • Example: “E5” shown in the TikTok video
    • Another example: “B2” on other bills

How It Works:

  • The letter represents the Federal Reserve Bank that issued the bill
  • The number must match the letter’s position in the alphabet

Correct Combinations:

LetterNumberFederal Reserve Bank
A1Boston
B2New York
C3Philadelphia
D4Cleveland
E5Richmond
F6Atlanta
G7Chicago
H8St. Louis
I9Minneapolis
J10Kansas City
K11Dallas
L12San Francisco

Real-World Examples From the Video

✅ Genuine Bill Example: “E5”

  • E = 5th letter of alphabet
  • Issued by Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

❌ Fake Bill Example: “Z1”

  • Z = 26th letter (should be “Z26”)
  • Immediate red flag for counterfeit

Complete Authentication Checklist

For thorough verification, combine this test with these other security features:

  1. Color-Shifting Ink – The “100” changes from copper to green
  2. Security Thread – Visible under UV light with “USA 100”
  3. Watermark Portrait – Visible when held to light
  4. 3D Security Ribbon – Blue ribbon with moving bells/100s
  5. Raised Printing – Feel the texture of Franklin’s shoulder
  6. Microprinting – “USA100” along the golden quill

Why This Method Works Against Counterfeiters

  • Most fake bill makers overlook this detail
  • Requires precise knowledge of Federal Reserve system
  • Difficult to replicate accurately in home printing
  • Quick visual check takes just seconds

What To Do If You Find a Suspect Bill

  1. Don’t return it to the passer
  2. Limit handling to preserve evidence
  3. Note details of where/when received
  4. Contact:
    • Local police
    • Secret Service field office
    • Your bank

Additional Pro Tips

  • Newest 2017+ series bills have enhanced security
  • Old-design bills remain legal but easier to fake
  • International bills may have different features
  • Always check multiple security elements

Join Our Counterfeit Detection Community

🔍 At PennyVerse.info you’ll get:

  • Free weekly security updates
  • High-resolution comparison images
  • Latest counterfeit scam alerts
  • Expert Q&A sessions

Want our free “Ultimate Bill Authentication Checklist”? Download it instantly when you subscribe to our newsletter!

Remember: In the TikTok example, “E5” is good but “Z1” is fake – now you know why! Stay safe with your cash transactions.



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