It Really Is All About This Amazing New Benjamin

Oh, man, the Treasury Department’s reboot of the $100 bill is tight. I don’t think I’ve ever been this moved by currency before. I mean, sure, I’m impressed by the symbols of American freedom they’ve added to the face, and I think the controversial decision to change the vignette of Independence Hall to a rear, rather than front, view, actually paid off-it’s bold and different, yes, but also confident and a little aggressive; it makes a statement-but it’s the new security features that really have me all atingle. This is money that tells you it is coming from the future.

The blue 3-D Security Ribbon on the front of the new $100 note contains images of bells and 100s that move and change from one to the other as you tilt the note. The Bell in the Inkwell on the front of the note is another new security feature. The bell changes color from copper to green when the note is tilted, an effect that makes it seem to appear and disappear within the copper inkwell.

It’s like we’re living in a science fiction novel! I’m glad I lasted long enough to see something like this. Mock me for my exuberance if you must, but I really think this new $100 bill is going to change all of our lives for the better. You know, if we can ever get our hands on one. [Via]