Why is Ben Franklin on the $100 bill?

Question

Still-alive · Accepted Answer

Choosing Who Appears on Money According to the U. S. Department of the Treasury, their "records do not suggest why certain Presidents and statesmen were chosen for specific dominations." In this way, there does not appear to be a specific set of criteria for deciding who appears on coins and banknotes in the United States. The basic designs of the front and bank of all paper currency in modern circulation were chosen in 1928; Benjamin Franklin appeared on the $100 bill for the first time in 1914. Previous versions, including Interest Bearing Notes, featured: George Washington A bald eagle Abraham Lincoln Thomas Hart Benton James Monroe David G. Farragut Today, the only specific legal restriction is that no "Government Securities," including paper money like the $100 bill, can feature the portrait of a living person. Benjamin Franklin on the $100 Bill Benjamin Franklin's image appears on the largest value bill in circulation in the US today: the $100 bill. Some of the reasons why he is commemorated on the bill include the following. A Founding Father Franklin was one of the – if not the – most important founding father in our nation. His work in forging the Declaration of Independence is considered pivotal in the forming of the nation, so it is well-fitting that his likeness be on this important bill. Negotiated French Support Franklin effectively negotiated the French’s support of the colonists’ efforts toward independence, and that support amount to tens of thousands of francs spent on behalf of the future United States. What’s more, the French committed troops and education to the colonial effort, and Franklin’s role in securing French monies made the forging of the United States, and its currency, a reality. American Values Franklin contributed much to what is deemed most “American” about the United States. He was tirelessly innovative, brave and capable, diplomatic and wise. All of these values are honored by Americans and honored in the likeness of the unforgettable Franklin on the $100 bill.

Curmudgeon · Accepted Answer

Because he is a Founding Father. And like Alexander Hamilton ($10 bill), he was someone who realized that sooner or later slavery had to go, which really puts him ahead of some other founders.

For the record, he was also on the Half Dollar coin until JFK was assassinated, and then JFK took over that coin. had JFK not been assassinated, arguably he would have gone down in disgrace over the Tet offensive in 1968 and not be seen as so saintly, but I digress.

For the record, putting Susan B Anthony and/or Sacajawea on the Dollar Coin instead of President Ike Eisenhower was great folly too.

While we have had everything from Pagan Goddesses to Buffaloes on American coins in the past, the modern Rule for American Currency is either (1) Founding Fathers or (2) dead Presidents

Gwenhwyfar · Accepted Answer

Because he’s a famous politician from the American Revolution and shortly after

Daniela1982 · Accepted Answer

Because no one would counterfeit a $100 bill if it had Washington on it.

Guy13 · Answer

Who cares….😉. Why is the $100.00, since Biden increased USA debt enormously leading us in hyperinflation (sorry-tangent)…

Why is Ben’s buying power reduced to the face of Ulysses S. Grant ($50.00) ⁉️-simple answer. BIDEN and Communist Democratic Economic and Social policy ‼️
-Republicans Business model is they want Masses to get Theirs’, whereas, Democratic Socialists (Communist ELITES) want all the Resources for themselves while squeezing or killing Masses (People) with (Wuhan virus 🦠) for instance.

exitseven · Answer

He was a man of legendary proportions. He helped write the Declaration of Independence and was one of the original signers. He held a lot of important government positions. He also was a scientist and inventor. He did revolutionary experiments with electricity, invented bifocals and the Franklin Stove.
He was well over 6 feet tall during a time when men rarely were anywhere near that tall. He also lived to be 84 years old during a time when the life expectancy was much shorter. He deserves to be on the hundred dollar bill.

TheBigWhistle · Answer

Because $100 bills are known as "Benjamins" and it would be awkward if someone named Benjamin wasn't on them. He was probably the best choice. President Benjamin Harrison is virtually unknown today and Ben Affleck and Ben Stiller are still alive. Benny Hill is dead but he was British. Man, that dude made me laugh.

AviatorTom · Answer

Franklin is the most important Founding Father who did not become President. It was Franklin that got the French to join the colonies and defeat the British in the American Revolution. Some historians believe that, without Franklin's actions and French support, the United States of America would not exist. It makes sense to have his portrait on the highest denomination US bill in regular circulation.

ArrowheadSW · Answer

Because he was a great president... KIDDING! He was never president. Quite the inquisitive person and scientific experimenter in the 1700's though. Also he was part of the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Slingblade1126 · Answer

I think it's because he helped create our system of banking. Although he was intrical in the creation of our country. So, it's a little of both.

FictionalCharacter · Answer

I’ve seen too many Ben Franklins. That I consider them as George Washingtons. And I consider George Washingtons as Abraham Lincolns lol.

Hellraiser1984 · Answer

Not sure he really was a very strange and perverted man. Sex clubs. He wasn't that good of a person either. Jefferson had sex with a 11 year old slave. Never freed his slaves. I don't think Washington did either.

Slartybartfast · Answer

Because he was totally awesome..  Inventor, revolutionary, diplomat, ladies man...  He even created the post office.

jamesgoldman · Answer

Because that face of disapproval at you letting it/him go

josephinelcajon · Answer

Dont worry they will soon be all changed to black people

Citizenkirk · Answer

I'm not sure, but people see one dollar bills more often, so the father of our country is on that.

TheMajesticKing777 · Answer

I don't know but I hope I'm on the thousandth bill 😂

Crucis84 · Answer

Just be thankful they haven't put Barack Obama on it.

Anonymous · Answer

I'm waiting for some dumbass to say because he's a dead president, lmao🤮

DWornock · Answer

Because the plates used for printing has his image.

Anonymous · Answer

specifically, to piss off the "woke" liberals of today who can't stand any of those "old white men", who just so happened to shape the foundational beginnings of our great nation. :)

bulletbob555 · Answer

So you can say... How you been Franklin? Yes he's my favorite non president Thats on money

OddBeMe · Answer

He’s a founding father who nailed so many chicks he had syphilis.

TsAubreyKate · Answer

That’s how many children he molested before god struck him with lightning - Mark 9:42

jimmy2 · Answer

The US Treasury pick how money is looking. They put all imagines on our money

Anonymous · Answer

He is largely responsible for the creation of America.

Telekinetic-Potato · Answer

Cuz he always keeps it 💯

DonkeyDan · Answer

Because Coco the clown just didn't make the cut!

scott04sa22 · Answer

The inventor of electricity

boobliker · Answer

he was a handsome chap never seen a 100 $ bill

888theGreat · Answer

Because he was awesome

Likes2drive · Answer

Yeah it’s strange since he wasn’t a president

fluster · Answer

Do you see a $ on that currency?

driven159 · Answer

have to put someone there

Waldoe · Answer

it was an ACT of Congress... an American Hero

Anonymous · Answer

Because he was a baller.

Fuentes · Answer

He was an elite

TheMijooPapi · Answer

For being handsome

Anonymous · Answer

Because racism!!!

Anonymous · Answer

he's a stud

Why is Ben Franklin on the $100 bill?

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