The FBI is reporting an unusual heist of some newly designed $100 bills that aren't going into circulation until next year.
Agent Frank Burton Jr. says the cash was stolen from a plane that arrived at Philadelphia International Airport around 10:25 a.m. Thursday from Dallas.
Investigators said these Benjamins are easy to spot. The new bills have sophisticated elements to thwart counterfeiters, like a disappearing Liberty Bell in an orange inkwell and a bright blue security ribbon.
FBI sources tell Action News the stolen bills were worth $20,000.
The theft was reported by a courier service transporting the C-notes when the shipment arrived Thursday afternoon at the Federal Reserve Building in East Rutherford, N.J. Officials then discovered some of the money was missing.
Investigators released an image of one of the new $100 bills.
Since they are not supposed to be in circulation, the FBI is asking merchants to be on the lookout for the bills. They are hoping the unique 2013 currency catches the eye of witnesses who may come in contact with the cash in the coming days.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 215-418-4000.
