Security Features that can be used to check a Banknote Flashcards
What is Polymer Substrate?
Australian banknotes are printed on polymer, a type of plastic, and they have a distinctive feel. A genuine banknote should return back to shape after it is scrunched up.
What is Top-to-bottom window?
There are multiple security features in the clear top-to-bottom window. The window should be an integral part of the banknote and not an addition. Check that the security features in the window cannot be easily rubbed off.
What is 3D Image?
Tilt the banknote to see a three-dimensional image with a colourful border. The image will appear raised or recessed.
What is Flying Bird?
Tilt the banknote to see a bird move its wings and change colour in the top-to-bottom window.
What is Colourful Bird?
Tilt the banknote to see the colours change within a bird.
What is Reversing Number?
Tilt the banknote to see a number change direction within the building. The number alternately appears forwards, disappears, then appears backwards.
What is Rolling Colour Effect?
Tilt the banknote to see a rolling colour effect. On one side of the banknote it is a prominent patch near the top corner; on the other side it is within a bird shape.
What is Image in Small Window?
Look for an image in a small clear window. The image is embossed and has a light and dark effect. The window should be an integral part of the banknote and not an addition.
What is Intaglio Print?
Feel the distinctive texture of the dark printing. The slightly raised print can be felt by running a finger across the portraits and numerals.
What is Background Print? (Offset)
Multi-coloured and multi-directional fine-line patterns appear on each side of the banknote. This background printing should be very sharp. Check for irregularities such as less clearly defined patterns, thinker or thinner lines, or colour differences.
What is Microprint?
There is microprint, or tiny, clearly defined text, in multiple locations on the banknote.
What is Fluorescent Ink?
A bird, the serial number and year of print fluoresce under UV light. To validate the UV fluorescent features on Australia’s banknotes, it is recommended that a UV black light with a wavelength that is centred around 365nm be used, and that it is done so in low ambient lighting conditions. Many UV black lights that use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) emit wavelengths between 395-400nm, which are not suitable for viewing the UV features.
