Arthur J. Williams Jr.

Arthur J. Williams Jr. is widely known for his fascinating life story and his transformation from master counterfeiter to celebrated contemporary artist.

Today, his artwork explores themes of currency, symbolism, and American history through bold and expressive visual pieces.

Several of his works are featured within Jeff Elson’s gallery collection, showcasing striking designs and powerful storytelling through art.

From Counterfeiter to International Artist

Arthur J. Williams Jr. is a Chicago-born artist best known for his transformation from one of the world’s most skilled counterfeiters into a globally recognized currency oil painter and gallery owner.

In 1996, Williams reproduced the “impossible to replicate” U.S. $100 bill, reportedly printing over $10 million in counterfeit currency. This led to multiple prison sentences totaling nearly seven years. During his incarceration, he began studying classical art, drawing inspiration from masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and refining his technique.

Following his release, Williams redirected his life toward art. He is now an established and in-demand artist, with collectors, celebrities, and high-profile clients commissioning his work. His signature style centers around currency-inspired artwork, including his well-known One Hundred Dollarbills collection.

Williams has exhibited at major events including Art Basel Miami and has hosted exhibitions in Chicago, particularly in the Bridgeport neighborhood, where he returned to showcase his work after his prison sentence. His art has also contributed to charitable causes, notably raising over $180,000 for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s After-School All-Stars program.

He is the subject of the bestselling book The Art of Making Money and operates galleries in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Dollabyte NFT Collection

Arthur J. Williams Jr. has expanded into digital art with the launch of his Dollabyte NFT collection—his first official NFT series consisting of 10,240 unique pieces on the Ethereum and Terra blockchains.

The collection debuted during CES in Las Vegas and was featured prominently at events such as NiftyAgenda by CoinAgenda and a large-scale showcase at Zouk Nightclub.

Dollabyte is designed as more than a digital collectible. It incorporates utility features including:

Fractional ownership in a rare watch collection stored with Sotheby’s
Token rewards through NFT staking
Access to exclusive metaverse events, including live digital painting sessions
Invitations to private events such as VIP yacht experiences in Miami
Opportunities for collectors to receive custom artwork, luxury collaborations, and behind-the-scenes film experiences

Artistic Vision

Williams’ work reflects a unique intersection of history, value, and transformation. His journey—from counterfeiting currency to creating it as art—positions him as a distinctive voice in both traditional and digital art spaces.

Today, he focuses not only on artistic innovation but also on giving back, using his story to inspire others and support initiatives that benefit children and communities.