Why is Benjamin Franklin's Head on the 100 Dollar Bill?

Why Is Benjamin Franklin's Head on the Hundred Dollar Bill?

Benjamin Franklin's head is on the $100 bill as a way to honor him because of his important contributions to history. One of Benjamin Franklin’s wisest and most famous sayings was, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Therefore it should come as no surprise that Franklin’s likeness appears on the U.S. hundred dollar bill.

Benjamin Franklin On the $100 Bill

Benjamin Franklin's image appears on the largest value bill in circulation in the U.S. today - the $100 bill. Some of the reasons that he is commemorated on the bill are:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

So, next time you are spending your big bills, stop and take a minute to remember the contributions of the man whose face appears on the $100 bill.