Benjamin Franklin has gotten nipped, tucked and is a new and improved version of his former self. In a ceremony held this morning by The Treasury Department, the brand new 100 dollar bill made its debut. Being the highest denomination of U.S. currency in general and worldwide circulation as well as the most frequent target for fakes, the Treasury hopes that this new 'high tech' look will squelch counterfeiting attempts as ever-changing technology is making the practice easier than ever. New watermarks and a security thread are just some of the new features embedded in the new bill.

According to mlive.com, Benjamin Franklin's likeness still dominates the bill, but now has to make room for an inkwell that will change color from copper to green. Inside this is a liberty bell that disappears depending on the light. Tilting and shifting the bill will cause other objects on it to give the illusion of moving as well. The new 100 dollar note will be put into circulation starting February 10th, 2011, giving the old bill a good 15 year run since it was introduced back in 1996. Until that time, the government plans to educate the public about the changes. Education resources in 25 languages have already been prepared, and people have the chance to view the new bill on the government website.

This redesigned $100 bill was originally planned to enter circulation in late 2008, but its introduction was delayed so as to refine its now sophisticated security features. "The new security features announced today come after more than a decade of research and development to protect our currency from counterfeiting," said U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios. The $100 note is the final denomination to receive a makeover in recent years, the last time being in 2008 for the the 5 dollar bill.