Genuine banknotes are easy to recognise if we know how to check the security features on the banknotes. Large differences in size, colour or main motifs between genuine and counterfeit banknotes are extremely rare, so several security features need to be checked.
The authenticity of banknotes is checked by means of the sense of touch, sight and hearing when touching, viewing and tilting the banknotes.
FEEL – the quality of the banknote paper (crispiness, elasticity) and the intaglio print. A hundred percent cotton paper is much more resilient and resistant to wear and tear than common commercial paper.
LOOK – at the banknote and hold it against the light to check the watermark, the security thread and the see-through register.
TILT – the banknote to see the shifting image in the silvery stripe and the security features printed in iridescent ink or optically variable ink, for example, the emerald number displayed on euro banknotes.
CHECK – Thorough checks of all security features are carried out by authentication devices (UV lamp, magnifier, IR camera, etc.).