The new $100 bill, with an array of high-tech features designed to thwart counterfeiters, will get its coming out party today after being plagued by printing problems.

Benjamin Franklin remains as the face of the bill, but he is joined by a new changing colour ink well and bell and a 3D security ribbon.

The new design bills were previously scheduled to be launched in the U.S. in February 2011, but the Bureau of Engraving and Printing first hit has been set back with printing and quality control issues since 2010.

The $100 bill is the last bill to get a make-over in a process that began in 2003 with the $20 bill.

The government redesigned the greenbacks with subtle colours and other security features to make it harder for counterfeiters.

The $100 bill, which is the most commonly counterfeited note outside of the United States, was redesigned with even more complex security features.

Officials stressed that the $900 billion worth of $100 bills currently in circulation will remain good and will only be gradually phased out as worn-out bills are returned to Federal facilities.

The $100 bill is the largest U.S. denomination in circulation and has the longest life at 15 years. The $1 bill lasts 5.9 years.

The new $100 bills will have one old feature. The signature on the bills will be that of former Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. The signature of current Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, who has been teased by President Barack Obama for his loopy handwriting, will start appearing once the current supply of new bills has been put into circulation.

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