Columbia Charter Township Police Chief Jay Niles reports that several counterfeit $100 bills have recently been found circulating in the area. Law enforcement agencies across southeast Michigan are actively investigating the spread of the fake currency.
According to Chief Niles, multiple potential suspects have been identified, and police departments are coordinating their efforts to track them down. The counterfeit bills in question are from the 1980s series. Although they may look convincing, investigators say there are noticeable inconsistencies compared to genuine U.S. currency.
Chief Niles is asking residents and business owners to be alert and examine any $100 bills they receive. “Please take a moment to ensure that the currency you are receiving is authentic legal currency and not the counterfeit counterparts,” he advised. Anyone who suspects they have received a counterfeit bill should contact law enforcement for assistance.
Does the 1980s series $100 bill have a detection system? Here’s what AI has to say in the following paragraphs:
A 1980-series US$100 bill (i.e., a bill with “Series 1980” printed) does not include the modern advanced security features you might expect.
According to fraud-prevention references, U.S. Federal Reserve Notes with a Series year earlier than 1990 (for the $100 denomination) generally only had the older style security features (primarily the raised printing). Specifically for the $100 denomination the official Bureau of Engraving and Printing / U.S. Treasury site shows that the category “For information about $100 notes issued from 1914-1990” is separate from those with the modern security features listed for 1990-1996, 1996-2013 and 2013-present. Those modern features (security thread, watermark, color-shifting ink, embedded 3-D ribbon) started being added to later series (1990’s and later).
So if you have a Series 1980 $100 bill, you should not expect features like the security thread or watermark found in later bills — you’re limited (in terms of verifying authenticity) to more basic checks.
How to Verify a 1980 $100 Bill. Because these bills lack modern security features, verification depends on older physical methods:
1. Check raised intaglio printing
Rub your finger gently across:
Franklin’s coat, the words “The United States of America,” the borders
It should feel textured and slightly rough, never flat.
2. Inspect the paper and embedded fibers
Look closely—real fibers:
Are red and blue, are irregular in shape, are embedded inside the paper (not sitting on top), cannot be scratched off
3. Look for high-quality engraving
Use a magnifying glass:
Lines in Franklin’s face and hair should be sharp, never blurry or pixelated. Counterfeits often have dots (indicative of digital printing).
4. Check the serial numbers
Each bill should have:
Two matching serial numbers, correct prefix letter for the issuing district, even spacing and perfect alignment, no smudging
5. Examine the Federal Reserve and Treasury seals
They should be:
Slightly raised, crisp, not blurry or flat, fake bills often have fuzzy seals.
6. UV light test (optional but helpful)
Although the bill has no UV features, authentic older currency:
Does NOT glow overall under UV light, counterfeit paper often glows bluish because of optical brighteners, real currency paper has low fluorescence
7. Check for correct dimensions
Authentic:
156 mm × 66 mm, thickness is consistent, paper should not stretch or tear easily
Click here to view a PDF called Know Your Money from the Secret Service.
