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The 2006A $100 Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition represents the final iteration of the traditional design used on American hundred-dollar bills before the sweeping security redesign introduced in 2013. As part of the long-standing Series 1996 design family, the 2006A note carries the iconic portrait of Benjamin Franklin, deep green Treasury seal, and familiar layout that had been in use—with incremental updates—since the mid-1990s. In CU condition, this note offers collectors a pristine and visually sharp example of late 20th- and early 21st-century currency at a time when the U.S. government was continuing to modernize anti-counterfeiting measures. The 2006A $100 note is both a functional piece of currency and a historically transitional item in the evolution of American paper money.
The “A” designation in the series number distinguishes this note from the standard 2006 series and indicates a change in Treasury officials. The 2006A $100 Federal Reserve Note bears the signature combination of Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner and Treasurer Rosie Rios. Geithner served under President Barack Obama beginning in 2009, while Rios was appointed shortly thereafter. This signature pairing helps date the production of the 2006A series to approximately 2009–2011, even though the note maintains the visual characteristics of the earlier Series 1996 design. It is a unique hybrid—functionally modern, yet visually traditional—produced during the interim between two major design generations.
The obverse of the 2006A $100 note features a centered portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin’s dignified image appears in three-quarter profile facing right, framed by fine-line intaglio engraving. To the left of Franklin is the black Federal Reserve District seal and bank designation (A through L), while to the right is the large green Treasury Department seal. The serial numbers appear in green ink above the district seal and below the Treasury seal, flanking the portrait diagonally. The words “Federal Reserve Note” and “The United States of America” appear prominently across the top of the note, while “One Hundred Dollars” is printed at the bottom center. Stylized “100” numerals appear in all four corners of the note, balancing the visual structure.
The reverse of the 2006A $100 note retains the classical depiction of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, rendered in deep green ink and exquisite engraving detail. The image shows the building's front facade with its tall clock tower, colonial architecture, and symmetrical landscaping. Above the image is the inscription “The United States of America,” while “One Hundred Dollars” spans the lower portion of the note. The denomination “100” is displayed in large numerals in the corners, and the motto “In God We Trust” appears above the building. This reverse design remained unchanged from earlier series and continued to express American heritage through both visual symbolism and artistic consistency.
The 2006A $100 note was produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing at its facilities in Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth, Texas. Fort Worth notes can be identified by a small “FW” prefix before the face plate number located on the obverse. These notes were printed using high-pressure intaglio techniques, giving them a distinct, raised ink texture—one of the best natural anti-counterfeiting features available at the time. They were printed on a durable cotton-linen blend currency paper embedded with colored fibers and a vertical security thread. In addition, the note features microprinting around the portrait and borders, as well as color-shifting ink in the numeral “100” in the lower right-hand corner—features that were carried over from the 1996 redesign to combat increasingly advanced counterfeiting threats.
In Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition, the 2006A $100 note is in flawless state, having never been folded or handled. The paper is bright, the inks are bold and unbroken, the corners are sharp and squared, and the embossing from the intaglio printing process remains clear and tactile. The security thread and watermark—embedded in the paper to the left of Franklin’s portrait—are easily visible when held up to light, providing additional assurance of authenticity. Such high-grade notes are typically found in original bank straps, Federal Reserve bundles, or collector-held hoards and have been preserved from circulation since the time of issue.
The security thread on the 2006A note glows red under ultraviolet (UV) light and is clearly imprinted with the phrase “USA 100” in microtext. This thread runs vertically and is fully embedded, visible only when the note is backlit or exposed to UV light. Additionally, the watermark of Benjamin Franklin’s portrait—visible when the note is held to light—is another key feature introduced in the late 1990s and retained in this issue. These elements, though standard by today’s criteria, marked a significant advance in security during the era of their implementation.
As the final series before the dramatic redesign of the $100 bill in 2013, the 2006A note represents the end of a longstanding aesthetic era. The redesign introduced that year brought a new color palette, larger off-center portrait, blue security ribbon, and 3D-enhanced features. In contrast, the 2006A maintains the classical symmetry, single-color green print, and formal typography associated with older U.S. notes. This distinction has made it increasingly popular among collectors seeking to preserve examples of the last traditionally styled $100 bills in top condition.
The 2006A $100 note was issued by all 12 Federal Reserve Banks and printed in large quantities. Despite its wide distribution, most notes entered active circulation, particularly due to the $100 denomination’s global use as a reserve and transaction currency. As a result, CU examples—especially those without teller folds, bends, or storage wear—are more challenging to find. Some collectors focus on notes from specific districts, star notes (with a star symbol replacing the final letter in the serial number), or low-serial-number examples, which can significantly increase collector demand and value.
Star notes from the 2006A series are replacement issues and are comparatively rare. They were printed to substitute for misprinted or damaged notes during the manufacturing process. Star notes in Uncirculated condition, especially from less common districts or with particularly low production numbers, are highly collectible and command a premium. These are often collected by Federal Reserve Bank, serial number pattern, or print run rarity, adding variety to any currency portfolio.
In conclusion, the 2006A $100 Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated condition is a historically important and visually appealing example of American paper money. As the final standard design before the radical redesign of 2013, it preserves the heritage of late 20th-century currency aesthetics while incorporating transitional security features. Its clean, classic layout; iconic Franklin portrait; and condition rarity make it an attractive choice for both new and advanced collectors. Whether valued for its visual appeal, transitional significance, or pristine preservation, the 2006A $100 note is an enduring emblem of American monetary identity.