Benjamin Franklin on the Hundred Dollar Bill
Benjamin Franklin is not a US president, yet his portrait appears on the US 100 dollar bill. The Federal Reserve currently issues the 2009 series and later redesigned $100 notes, with Franklin as the primary portrait. The note features a large portrait on the front, a blue security thread, and a 3D security ribbon. According to the Federal Reserve, the $100 note remains the highest denomination currently in circulation for public use Federal Reserve Currency Page.
The US Treasury Department and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing produce Federal Reserve notes, and the design process includes historical figures who contributed to American independence and governance. Franklin, a Founding Father, diplomat, scientist, and inventor, was chosen for the $100 note because of his role in the American Revolution and his influence on early American institutions U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Other Non Presidents on US Money
Benjamin Franklin is not the only non president on US money. Several other figures without a presidential term appear on current and historical denominations. The US currency system includes portraits of statesmen, inventors, and civic leaders across different note series and coins.
On current circulating notes, Alexander Hamilton appears on the $10 bill, and he never served as president. Salmon P. Chase, a former Treasury Secretary and Supreme Court Chief Justice, is on the $10,000 bill, which remains legal tender but is no longer printed for general circulation. Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea appear on dollar coins, and neither held the presidency United States Mint.
Historical and Current Denominations with Non Presidents
Historical US notes included non presidents such as Grover Cleveland on the $1,000 bill and James Madison on the $5,000 bill, though these high-denomination notes were discontinued. The current circulating denominations are $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, with non presidents on the $10 and $100 notes. The Federal Reserve regularly updates security features and design elements on these notes Federal Reserve Cash Services.
Coins and Commemorative Issues
Beyond paper currency, the United States Mint issues coins that feature non presidents, including the dollar coins with Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea. Commemorative coins and medals often honor scientists, activists, and other notable figures, expanding the range of non presidential portraits in official US money U.S. Mint Official Site.
Why Non Presidents Appear on Money
US law and Treasury practices allow non presidents on money when they have made significant contributions to the nation's founding, governance, or cultural identity. The selection process considers historical impact, public recognition, and symbolic representation of American values. The Treasury and the Federal Reserve coordinate on design changes, security features, and production schedules U.S. Treasury Department.
Benjamin Franklin remains one of the most recognizable non presidential figures on US money because of his wide-ranging influence on science, diplomacy, and the formation of the United States. The continued circulation of the $100 note with Franklin's portrait reflects his enduring presence in American currency and public consciousness.