Who's On The $100 Bill: Uncovering the Fascinating History of America's Largest Denomination

The $100 bill is one of the most iconic and recognizable banknotes in the world, with a design that has remained largely unchanged for over a century. But have you ever stopped to think about who's on the $100 bill, and why their image has been featured on America's largest denomination? The answer lies in a fascinating tale of politics, history, and cultural significance.

The $100 bill has been a staple of American currency since 1862, when it was first introduced during the Civil War to finance the war effort. Over the years, the design has undergone several changes, but one constant has remained: the image of a notable American figure on the obverse (front) of the bill. Today, the $100 bill features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of America's founding fathers and most influential figures in history.

But Franklin's appearance on the $100 bill is not just a nod to his historical significance; it's also a reflection of his enduring legacy and the values he represented. "Benjamin Franklin was a true American icon," says David Aufhauser, a historian at the National Archives. "He was a statesman, a scientist, and a writer – and his contributions to American society are still felt today." Franklin's image on the $100 bill serves as a reminder of the country's founding principles and the ideals of freedom, democracy, and innovation that he helped shape.

However, Franklin's selection for the $100 bill was not a foregone conclusion. In the early 20th century, the Federal Reserve System, which is responsible for designing and issuing American currency, began to consider new designs for the $100 bill. At the time, the bill featured a portrait of President Woodrow Wilson, but the design was deemed too ornate and difficult to print. A committee was formed to select a new design, and Franklin's image was ultimately chosen due to his widespread recognition and respectability. "Franklin was a very popular figure, even among people who didn't know much about history," notes Aufhauser. "He was a symbol of American values, and his image was seen as a safe choice for the $100 bill."

So, who was Benjamin Franklin, and why is he so important to American history? Born in 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts, Franklin was a true Renaissance man – an accomplished statesman, scientist, writer, and diplomat who played a leading role in shaping America's early years. As a young man, Franklin was a printer's apprentice, and he eventually founded his own printing business, which became one of the largest in the colonies. He was also a prolific writer, publishing numerous articles and essays under pseudonyms, and he helped establish the Pennsylvania Gazette, which became one of the most widely read newspapers in the colonies.

Franklin's most notable contribution to American history, however, was his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. In 1776, Franklin, along with Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, was appointed to a committee to draft a document that would formally declare the colonies' independence from Great Britain. The Declaration, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, has since become one of the most iconic documents in American history, and Franklin's role in its creation cemented his place in the annals of American history.

Franklin's scientific contributions are also noteworthy, particularly in the fields of electricity and demography. His famous kite experiment in 1752 demonstrated the connection between lightning and electricity, and his work on demography helped establish the field of population studies. He was also a keen observer of human nature and developed several theories about human behavior, including the concept of "moral algebra," which posits that people act according to a set of moral rules that can be measured and quantified.

Today, Franklin's legacy extends far beyond his contributions to American history. He remains one of the most widely recognized and revered figures in the world, with numerous museums, libraries, and institutions dedicated to his memory. His image on the $100 bill serves as a reminder of the enduring power of American ideals and the importance of innovation, freedom, and democracy.

But Franklin's image on the $100 bill is not just a tribute to his individual accomplishments – it's also a reflection of the country's changing values and priorities. In recent years, the Federal Reserve has begun to consider new designs for the $100 bill, which could potentially feature images of women or minority groups who played important roles in American history. While Franklin's legacy remains an important part of American history, some argue that it's time to recognize the contributions of others who helped shape the country.

"We need to recognize the contributions of women and minorities who have been overlooked in the past," says Aufhauser. "It's time to update the design of the $100 bill to reflect the diversity of American society and to acknowledge the importance of these individuals in shaping our country's history."

The redesign of the $100 bill is a complex process that involves input from numerous stakeholders, including the Federal Reserve, the Department of the Treasury, and the Secret Service. While no official announcement has been made regarding the potential redesign, several options have been floated, including images of women such as Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, and Wilma Mankiller.

Ultimately, the selection of Franklin's image on the $100 bill serves as a reminder of the country's complex and often contentious history. While his legacy remains an important part of American history, it's also a reflection of the ongoing struggle to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women and minorities who played important roles in shaping the country.

Benjamin Franklin: A Brief Timeline of His Life and Achievements

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1706: Born in Boston, Massachusetts

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1728: Becomes a printer's apprentice

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1730s: Begins publishing articles and essays under pseudonyms

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1732: Establishes the Pennsylvania Gazette

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1752: Conducts famous kite experiment to demonstrate connection between lightning and electricity

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1776: Drafts Declaration of Independence

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1785: Publishes Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

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1790: Dies at the age of 84

Key Facts About the $100 Bill

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First introduced in 1862 to finance the Civil War

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Features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse

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Has undergone several design changes since its introduction

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Features advanced security features, including watermarks and color-shifting ink

Why Franklin's Image Remains Relevant Today

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Symbol of American values and ideals

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Reminds us of the importance of innovation and democracy

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Represents the country's founding principles

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Enduring legacy and impact on American society

In conclusion, the $100 bill is more than just a piece of currency – it's a symbol of American history and values. Benjamin Franklin's image on the bill serves as a reminder of the country's complex and often contentious past, as well as its enduring commitment to freedom, democracy, and innovation. While the potential redesign of the $100 bill may bring new opportunities to recognize the contributions of women and minorities, Franklin's legacy remains an important part of American history, and his image on the $100 bill continues to inspire and educate people around the world.