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The 1993 $100 Federal Reserve Note graded Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ by PMG is an exemplary survivor from the final generation of classic U.S. banknotes before the major security redesigns of the mid-1990s. This note reflects the culmination of the traditional greenback design—an enduring layout first introduced in 1928—executed with superb craftsmanship and preserved in pristine condition. The 66EPQ grade confirms that the note has never circulated, offers near-perfect centering, and retains its full original paper quality. As such, it is a premier choice for collectors and investors seeking high-grade examples of late 20th-century U.S. currency.
The Series 1993 $100 Federal Reserve Notes were printed during the early years of the Clinton administration and bear the signature pairing of Mary Ellen Withrow as Treasurer of the United States and Lloyd Bentsen as Secretary of the Treasury. This signature combination was used during a relatively brief window of production, and it marks one of the final series before the 1996 redesign that introduced color-shifting ink, enhanced watermarks, security threads, and updated portraits. The 1993 issue represents the very end of the long-standing currency design tradition based purely on fine engraving and layout symmetry.
The obverse of the note features a finely engraved portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most iconic Founding Fathers. Franklin’s calm, intellectual demeanor is captured in crisp intaglio detail, framed within an oval and surrounded by classical scrollwork. To the left of the portrait is the black seal of the issuing Federal Reserve District, and to the right is the green U.S. Treasury seal. Serial numbers are printed in green ink and appear at the upper right and lower left. In 66EPQ condition, the inking is rich, margins are balanced, and all design elements are perfectly registered without smudging, offset, or handling defects.
The reverse of the note features the east façade of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. This historic site—where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted—is depicted in finely detailed linework. Trees and architectural features are rendered with balance and clarity, and the scene is framed by the inscriptions “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above and “ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS” below. Large green numeral 100s in each corner complete the visual structure. In this PMG-certified grade, the reverse remains flawless, with no fading, paper discoloration, or ink inconsistency—attributes enhanced by the note’s full original paper quality.
PMG’s Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ grade certifies that the note is in top-tier condition. The “66” rating indicates a nearly perfect note with sharp corners, bold printing, and well-centered margins. The EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) designation means that the paper is completely original and unaltered—it has not been pressed, washed, trimmed, or chemically treated in any way. The embossing from the intaglio printing remains visible, and the paper’s natural wave and brightness are preserved, making this note especially desirable to collectors who value authenticity and long-term preservation.
Although $100 notes from the 1993 series were printed in large quantities, their high face value ensured that most went straight into circulation for use in commercial and banking transactions. Very few were saved in uncirculated condition at the time, and even fewer have been certified in 66EPQ or higher. As a result, high-grade examples like this one are significantly scarcer than their production numbers would suggest. Notes from the 1993 series represent the last issue to use the traditional design before the sweeping updates that began with the 1996 series.
Historically, the 1993 $100 note is a bridge between eras. It belongs to a time when U.S. currency still adhered to design principles rooted in the 1920s, emphasizing engraving, symmetry, and classic portraiture. At the same time, it anticipates a period of intense technological evolution in banknote printing and anti-counterfeiting measures. The 1993 series lacks modern features like microprinting, color-shifting ink, and security threads, making it visually simple but historically rich as a final expression of a long-standing design tradition.
Collectors appreciate this note for its symmetry, sharp engraving, and powerful symbolism. Benjamin Franklin’s portrait lends gravitas and continuity, while the Independence Hall reverse connects the currency to core American ideals of democracy, liberty, and civic responsibility. Together, the obverse and reverse form one of the most iconic pairings in U.S. currency, making this note a staple in type sets and denomination collections alike. In 66EPQ condition, it becomes a standout example worthy of top-tier inclusion.
As a high-grade, fully original specimen, this note is ideal for collectors focused on modern U.S. paper money, Federal Reserve type sets, or certified collections emphasizing notes with limited high-grade populations. Its condition and historical significance also make it a strong candidate for long-term investment, as fewer examples from the final pre-redesign series remain in pristine, untouched form. It appeals equally to design enthusiasts, economic historians, and investors seeking tangible artifacts of U.S. financial continuity and evolution.
The Certified 1993 $100 Federal Reserve Note graded Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ by PMG is an elite specimen of modern American currency. With perfect centering, full color strength, and untouched paper surfaces, it combines visual brilliance with numismatic depth. As one of the last traditional $100 notes before security enhancements transformed U.S. currency, it offers timeless design, premium quality, and lasting collector value—all in a condition that very few surviving notes can match.