Why Benjamin Franklin Is On The 100 Dollar Bill

So, you're cruising through your wallet and you spot it - that crisp, green, Benjamin Franklin face staring back at you from the 100 dollar bill. Ever wondered why ol' Ben made the cut?

Why Him? Why Not?

Well, buckle up, because we're diving into a fun fact fest that'll make you look at your C-notes with newfound respect. Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

Meet Ben: The Original Multitasker

Born in 1706, Benjamin Franklin was a true Renaissance man. We're talking printer, scientist, inventor, diplomat, writer, and founding father rolled into one. He was like the original multitasker, before multitasking was even a thing!

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, sure, he was a busy guy, but why's he on the 100 dollar bill?" Well, grab a cup of coffee, 'cause we're about to get into the nitty-gritty.

From Pennies to Hundreds

The U.S. started printing paper money in the late 1700s, but it wasn't until 1914 that the big bucks got their own design. And who did they pick to grace the 100 dollar bill? None other than Benjamin Franklin himself!

But why? Well, it turns out, Ben was a bit of a currency genius. He helped establish the first public library, the first fire department, and even the first university in the U.S. - all while printing money for the colonies. Talk about a triple threat!

Franklin's Face: A Symbol of Trust

Back in the day, people didn't trust paper money. They wanted something tangible, like gold or silver. But Ben had a plan. He suggested printing money with a portrait of a respected figure - someone who embodied honesty and integrity.

Guess who they picked? Yep, you got it - Benjamin Franklin. His face was supposed to be a symbol of trust, a way to convince people that paper money was just as good as the real thing. And it worked! People started using paper money, and the rest is history.

From Face to Signature

Now, you might've noticed that Ben's signature is on every single U.S. banknote, not just the 100 dollar bill. That's because he was one of the founders of the first official U.S. bank, the Bank of North America.

But here's where it gets interesting. Ben's signature was actually a bit of a fluke. He was supposed to be the president of the bank, but he turned it down at the last minute. Instead, he became a director and signed the bank's first batch of notes. And just like that, his signature became a permanent fixture on U.S. currency.

Franklin's Wisdom: A Hidden Treasure

But wait, there's more! If you look closely at the 100 dollar bill, you'll notice something else - a little quote from Ben himself. It says, "A penny saved is a penny earned." Pretty wise, huh?

That quote is actually from one of Ben's Poor Richard's Almanacks, a yearly publication he wrote under the pseudonym Richard Saunders. It was filled with practical advice, witty sayings, and even weather forecasts. Talk about a one-stop shop!

From Past to Present

So, there you have it - the not-so-secret history of why Benjamin Franklin is on the 100 dollar bill. From multitasking marvel to currency king, Ben's legacy lives on in every crisp, green note.

Next time you pull out a C-note, give it a little wave and say hi to Ben. After all, he's been watching over your money since way back in 1706. Pretty cool, huh?

And there you have it - a fun, fact-filled journey into the world of Benjamin Franklin and the 100 dollar bill. Who knew learning could be this much fun?