What are the little numbers on money?
Robert Miller
Updated on April 07, 2026
Symbol: Federal reserve district number On the front of the dollar bill, a one- or two-digit number appears four times. This number refers to the Federal Reserve Bank that printed the bill. A “1,” for instance, would mean it was made in Boston, while “2” refers to New York.
Is there a hidden spider on the dollar bill?
If you look at your dollar bills closely, you will find what appears to be either a little spider or a tiny owl right near the large “1” at the top right of the dollar bill. You will see this in the upper-left area of the shield that surrounds the “1.”
Who is the hidden face on the 100 dollar bill?
Benjamin Franklin
On the latest $100 bill (series 2009), released last October, there is a blank creamy white area that contains a hidden watermark security feature to help negate counterfeiting. The US Treasury web site says that the hidden graphic is a portrait of Benjamin Franklin.
What does the spider mean on the $1 bill?
Some say it’s an owl, others see a spider because of the web design behind the “1.” Some say it’s part of a skull and crossbones when turned sideways. Most likely the creature was placed as an anti-counterfeit measure.
Where does the five dollar bill say on the back?
On the back of the bill the words “USA FIVE” appear along one edge of the large purple “5”. Because they are so small, these microprinted words are hard to replicate.
Where is the watermark on the new 5 dollar bill?
One watermark on the new $5 bill is a large “5” that is to the right of the portrait. This watermark is very large, nearly the size of Lincoln’s head. The other watermark is a column of 5s that are smaller and located to the left of Lincoln’s head.
Where is the security thread on a 5 dollar bill?
The other watermark is a column of 5s that are smaller and located to the left of Lincoln’s head. Formerly on the left side of the old $5 bills, the security thread–featuring “USA 5”–now appears on the right side of the bill. When held under UV lighting, the thread glows blue.
Where is the tiny creature on the one dollar bill?
In the upper-right corner of the bill, above the left of the number “1” there appears to be a tiny creature peeking out.
