Headline: U.S. Federal Reserve Phases Out Old $100 Bills; Colombia Restricts tattered Notes
La Reserva Federal de los Estados Unidos (FED) has announced the withdrawal of old $100 bills as part of a strategy to bolster security and curb counterfeiting, one of the most widely used currencies globally. Since early November, some automated teller machines in the U.S. have stopped accepting the old bills, with the measure already spreading to other countries. In Latinoamérica, Colombia has opted to adopt this measure and plans to.Restricted circulation of $100 bills in its territory.
Beginning in December 2024, Colombia will commence restricting the circulation of $100 bills that are not in good condition. This measure aligns with the Federal Reserve’s initiative and aims to ensure that circulating bills meet security and authenticity standards.
Financial entities and businesses in Colombia will reject $100 bills that exhibit the following characteristics:
- Scratches or patches
- Illegible or damaged bills
The circulation of bills in optimal conditions will be promoted, which could impact the **informal economy in Colombia**, particularly in tourist areas and international transactions between individuals.
Business owners and local retailers must be aware of the quality of the **bills** they receive, as applying this measure could result in inconveniences with some clients.
The Federal Reserve has also announced that the **new $100 bills** will incorporate advanced security technologies to hinder counterfeiting. Key features include:
- Security thread: A strip embedded in the bill that is visible when held up to the light.
- 3D security ribbon: A blue, three-dimensional ribbon that shifts when the bill is moved.
- Color-shifting ink: Ink that changes color depending on the viewing angle.
- Watermark: An image visible when the bill is exposed to light.
- Microprinting: Tiny text only visible under magnification.
- Tactile printing: Special texture that can be felt.
These new features aim to make it harder to reproduce bills and boost user confidence in the authenticity of the circulating currency.
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