If you can afford to put away $100, go for it. No real future for it. $100 is a lot of money for something. Probably worth $105 to the right person if it is fully unc, which this doesn't look. I had a guy buy $8,000 worth of silver bullion in 1977 $100's, and at least a quarter of those were crisp.
I like the small heads, and it could go for $105 in 10 years. (I don't know about today, face value to me.) The problem is, $100 is still an amount of money, that is not worth holding for 10 years, in order to sell it for $105, since it is worth more as $100 today, than $105 in 10 years when the purchasing power will be around $65 if we are lucky. So it's a conundrum. Lower face value bills are easier to save because you aren't losing as much as you are by saving this bill. One of the problems with this "old" hundred, is, it's just a federal reserve note. Super common. If it was a US Note (red seal) 1966, or a Gold Certificate 1928, then you have something, and I say yes, save it. For the federal reserve notes you want to be around 1934. The 1950's barely.
The St. Louis (H) district saw a printing of only 15.36 million notes. The government has sought to destroy these notes since 1991. Between the government, heartless bank tellers and the ignorant public, this note has had forces fighting against its survival for over 25 years. Yet somehow it's landed in your possession in reasonably crisp condition. If you must let it go then you must let it go; however, similar to what TheFinn says, if you can afford to save it then go for it.
Controversial question here at Coin Talk. If you’re asking if it’s a good investment, I would guess any increase in value would not keep pace with inflation. It’s shown that already. If you like the design, small-head Franklin, and can afford to sock $100 away, then keep it. I imagine we will all see less and less of these in circulation, but there’s still many available. Yours looks to be in XF condition with no stains and decent centering. Typical lifespan of a $100 note is 15 years. Yours was printed in March 1981, so I’m guessing it was tucked away by a previous owner.
That's a bit high. $105 is fair. https://www.uscurrencyauctions.com/$100-us-currency-value-price-guide.htm
On the bright side, the buyer will be a lot less likely to spend it as he or she has a decent amount over face value invested in it. As the old saying goes, "Something given has no value".
