Yet another makeover for the $100 bill

The big thing will be a security thread which the Washington Post describes thus:

It combines micro-printing with tiny lenses -- 650,000 for a single $100 bill. The lenses magnify the micro-printing in a truly remarkable way.

Move the bill side to side and the image appears to move up and down. Move the bill up and down and the image appears to move from side to side.

Release is scheduled for late 2008; the Post also notes:

The new security thread is used on the Swedish 1,000 kroner note and has been selected by the government of Mexico for some higher denomination notes.

Felix said many other devices expected to be included in the $100 redesign will be similar to features added over the past four years to the $20, $50 and $10 bills. That means subtle pastel colors on the currency and patches of micro-printing that are difficult to duplicate, along with a touchup on Ben Franklin's portrait.

A new $5 bill is coming out, too. The new equipment required for printing all these upgraded banknotes will also mean that there will be no technical obstacle to varying the size of American currency.

Posted by David on August 26, 2007 12:45 PM