The Last Benjamin: Why the $100 Bill Must Die

A bold, timely, and uncompromising case for retiring America's most dangerous currency. The U.S. $100 bill is the most circulated note in American history—yet it is rarely seen in everyday life. While it may evoke prestige and power in pop culture, in the real world, it has become a silent engine of global crime, corruption, tax evasion, and secrecy. In The Last Benjamin, John Pritchett exposes the hidden life of the $100 bill and builds a compelling, evidence-driven argument for why it must be phased out. From cartel cash seizures in Mexico City to anonymous vaults in Dubai, from offshore tax havens to kleptocrats smuggling millions through customs, the $100 bill is the enabler of choice. Pritchett dismantles the myths that protect it—myths about privacy, freedom, and the needs of the unbanked—and reveals how this single denomination distorts financial transparency and undermines democratic accountability. Combining investigative reporting, economic analysis, historical insight, and global case studies, The Last Benjamin challenges the status quo and proposes a clear, pragmatic roadmap for reform. This is not a war on cash—but a strategic strike against its most abused form. Perfect for readers of Kenneth Rogoff, Gabriel Zucman, and Lawrence Summers, this book is a wake-up call—and a call to action. The $100 bill is no longer a symbol of prosperity. It is a liability. It's time we said goodbye.