
The C Note, also known as the $100 bill, has a rich history that dates back to 1861. It's one of the most widely recognized and used banknotes in the world.
The $100 bill has undergone several design changes over the years, with the most recent one being introduced in 2013. This new design features a 3D Security Ribbon and a color-shifting bell in the lower right corner.
The Security Features of the C Note are designed to prevent counterfeiting and ensure its authenticity. These features include the Bell in the Inkwell, the Security Thread, and the Color-Shifting Ink.
The C Note is widely accepted as a form of payment in the United States and is also used for international transactions.
What is a C-Note?
A C-Note is a slang term for the $100 banknote in U.S. currency. The C in C-note refers to the Roman numeral for 100, which was printed on $100 bills at one time.
The term C-note came to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s, and it was popularized in a number of gangster films. It's now widely used to describe any $100 bill.
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What Does a C Note Mean
A C-note is a slang term for the $100 banknote in U.S. currency.
The term C-note refers to the Roman numeral for 100, which was printed on $100 bills at one time. This is the origin of the term, which came to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s.
It's also been suggested that C-note refers to the Century note, which was issued in the early 1900s.
Franklin Featured Since 1914
Franklin has been featured on the $100 bill since 1914. Franklin's image has been on the $100 bill since 1914, making it one of the longest-running designs in U.S. currency history.
He was chosen to be featured on the $100 bill due to his significant contributions to American society. Franklin's multifaceted accomplishments and his role in shaping the nation are what make his image on the $100 bill so meaningful.
Franklin's portrait on the $100 bill is a tribute to his many talents as a statesman, diplomat, inventor, and scientist.
History and Evolution
The $100 bill, also known as the C-Note, has a rich history dating back to 1869 when it featured a capital C in its upper-left corner, denoting the Roman numeral for 100.
The C-Note was first introduced as a Federal Reserve note in 1914, replacing older Treasury notes, and the letter C no longer appeared on the bill.
The first $100 bill was issued in 1929, and it was introduced as a means to facilitate large transactions and to serve as a store of value.
From 1878 to 1880, the C-Note featured a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the left, and in 1890, it featured Admiral David Farragut to the right, with two zeros on the back that looked like watermelons, earning the nickname "watermelon notes".
The C-Note's design has evolved significantly over the years, with the current design introduced in 2013 featuring a vibrant blue security ribbon and a larger portrait of Benjamin Franklin.
The term "C-Note" gained prominent use in the 1920s and 1930s, and it's believed to have originated from the actual printed letter C on the bill, rather than its value of 100.
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U.S. Currency Denomination
The $100 bill, also known as the C-note, is the most common denomination of U.S. currency in circulation.
It's surprising to note that there are more $100 bills in circulation than $1 bills, yet they aren't as widely accepted for cash transactions at many establishments.
The C-note is relatively easy to spot due to its large size and distinctive blue or green color.
It features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the front and an image of Independence Hall on the back.
The $100 bill is significantly larger than other denominations of U.S. currency.
There are currently over 12.4 billion $100 notes in circulation worldwide.
The widespread acceptance of the C-note makes it a preferred choice for both individuals and businesses for large cash transactions.
Many people associate the C-note with wealth and status, but this perception may not accurately reflect the financial realities for most people.
Security Features
The $100 bill has some amazing security features that make it one of the most secure denominations in circulation. The most recent redesign in 2013 incorporated advanced security features to make it harder to replicate.
The 3D security ribbon is a key identifier that helps determine the authenticity of the bill. The security ribbon runs vertically to the right of Franklin's portrait.
The bell in the inkwell is another crucial feature. When the bill is tilted, the color of the bell changes from copper to green.
Tilting the bill makes the bells and "100" move in the opposite direction, making it difficult to replicate. This distinctive feature makes the $100 bill highly secure and difficult to counterfeit.
C-Note Life Cycle
A $100 bill's life cycle is quite fascinating. It goes through four critical steps before entering circulation: design, order, production, and issuance.
In 2018, the Federal Reserve printed 1.67 billion $100 notes as part of their fiscal year print order. This is a massive number, and it's clear that a lot of effort goes into producing these bills.
The average value of $100 bills in circulation is a staggering $1.25 trillion, based on 2017 data. This is a testament to the widespread use of this denomination.
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A $100 bill has an impressive lifespan of 15 years in circulation, significantly longer than smaller denominations like the $1 bill. The $1 bill, on the other hand, typically lasts around 5.8 years.
Here's a quick comparison of the lifespan of different denominations:
This lengthy lifespan of the $100 bill is likely due to its widespread use and the fact that it's a denomination that's often used for larger transactions.
Usage and Popularity
The $100 bill, affectionately known as the "C-note", is one of the most widely used and recognized currencies in the United States.
It's also referred to as the "Benjamin."
The $100 bill is a staple in many businesses, used for large transactions and everyday purchases alike.
Is 'C-Note' Still Used?
The term "C-Note" is still used, but less frequently. It's not as common as it once was, but you might still hear it from time to time.
More people use Benjamin or Franklin as an alternate term for the $100 bill, as Benjamin Franklin is pictured on the note.
The term "C-note" may derive from the letter C printed on the $100 banknote from 1869 to 1914.
Uses and Popularity

The $100 bill is one of the most widely used and recognized currencies in the United States.
It's also known as the "Benjamin" or "C-note."
The $100 bill is a staple in everyday transactions, from buying groceries to paying bills.
One reason for its popularity is that it's a widely accepted denomination, making it easy to use in a variety of situations.
It's also a favorite among tourists who want to exchange their money for a widely recognized and easily exchangeable currency.
The $100 bill is a trusted and reliable form of payment, which helps to explain its enduring popularity.
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80% Held Overseas
The $100 bill is a staple in many wallets, but did you know that a whopping 80% of them are held overseas? This might seem surprising, but it's due to the global demand for U.S. currency.
Many countries have unstable or less widely accepted local currencies, making the $100 bill a safe and reliable choice for international transactions.
Spotting American Currency
The $100 bill is often called a C-note because of its large size and color. It's usually blue or green in color.
The front of the C-note features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He's a pretty iconic figure in American history.
The back of the bill has an image of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed. It's a significant location in American history.
C-notes are significantly larger than other denominations of American currency. This makes them relatively easy to spot.
Just remember, counterfeit bills are also circulating in the United States. So, it's always a good idea to check for common signs of counterfeiting before accepting a C-note as payment.
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Bill Updated for Security
The $100 bill has undergone periodic updates to stay ahead of evolving security threats and combat counterfeiting. These updates have incorporated advanced security features to make it more difficult to replicate.
The most recent redesign was unveiled in 2013, which included a 3D security ribbon, color-shifting ink, and a watermark portrait of Benjamin Franklin that can be seen when held up to the light.
The $100 bill features a security ribbon that runs vertically to the right of Franklin's portrait. The ribbon is a key identifier that helps determine the authenticity of the bill.
Here are some key security features of the current $100 bill:
- 3D security ribbon
- Color-shifting ink
- Watermark portrait of Benjamin Franklin
These features, along with others, make the $100 bill one of the most secure denominations in circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if you have a rare $100 bill?
Check your $100 bills for rare patterns like star notes, low serial numbers, or misprints, which can make them worth more than their face value. If you spot any unusual features, you might have a valuable collector's item in your wallet.
What does c-note mean in rap?
In rap culture, a "c-note" refers to a $100 bill, often used as a slang term to represent a significant amount of money. This term is commonly used by American rappers to express wealth or financial success.
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