WASHINGTON, DC – The new design for the $100 note will make its debut on April 21 during a ceremony at the Department of the Treasury’s Cash Room. The US government redesigns currency in order to stay ahead of counterfeiters and protect the public. Decisions about the redesign of each denomination are guided by the government’s close evaluation of the range of ongoing counterfeit threats, whether from digital technology or traditional printing presses.
When the new note begins circulating, it will be important for people to know that it is not necessary to trade in old-design notes for new ones. All US currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued.
The unveiling of the $100 note is the first step in a global multi-government agency public education program implemented by the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board and the US Secret Service, to educate those who use the $100 note about its changes before it begins circulating.
The $100 note is the highest value denomination of US currency in general circulation, with up to two-thirds of $100 notes held outside the US. Public education is an important component of the government’s redesigned currency program because an informed public is the first and best line of defense against counterfeiting. Free training materials for cash-handlers as well as other public education resources will be available in 25 languages at www.newmoney.gov starting April 21.