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Methods to detect counterfeit banknotes

Today I have a little nugget of knowledge to share. Did you know that currency has been used for over 2,600 years? It started with the Lydians, who used a naturally occurring mixture of silver and gold called electrum as their first form of currency. They stamped the image of their ruler onto the metal to certify its weight and create a standardized “price coordinate.” These stamped and standardized pieces of metal became known as “currency” and “coinage.”

Currency in the early days of the world was relatively simple to produce. However, as technology advanced, printing money or banknotes became the norm, which is what we use today. Banknotes are designed with intricate details and features to prevent counterfeiting, but counterfeit banknotes of various currencies have been produced, causing concerns in many countries.

Today, we will focus on the detection of counterfeit “Baht” banknotes since it is the primary currency used in Thailand. Let’s take a look at the various methods used to verify foreign currency banknotes. Just like the Thai Baht, other currencies also have features that protect against counterfeiting. We can apply similar techniques to currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, JPY, HKD, CNY, SGD, and other currencies.

Detecting and verifying counterfeit banknotes is crucial in preventing individuals from falling victim to counterfeit currency.

News reported through social media highlights the spread of counterfeit banknotes and its impact on the general public and various merchants. Information from the Bank of Thailand and www.prachachat.net states that banknotes are legal tender and should be difficult to counterfeit. Additionally, banknotes serve as a medium reflecting national identity and the artistic value of Thai culture, making them uniquely intricate and challenging to counterfeit. However, they should be relatively easy to observe and verify using the following methods: touch, inspect, and tilt. To ensure confidence, it is recommended to check at least three points.

Tactile surface

1. Banknotes.

Made from paper that includes a main component of fibers, specifically silk fibers. This composition gives them strength, durability, and prevents easy tearing. When touched, they provide a different tactile sensation compared to regular paper.


Banknote type 17
​ feel01.jpg
Banknote type 16​

2. Embossed pattern

It is produced by using a printing technique that utilizes a deep-etched printing plate and applies high pressure during the printing process. The ink is therefore raised from the surface of the paper, resulting in sharp and detailed images and lines. This technique is commonly used for printing official seals, the phrase “รัฐบาลไทย” (Thai Government), lettering, and numerals indicating the denomination. When touched with fingertips, it gives a distinctive tactile sensation.

ธนบัตรแบบ 17​
Banknote type 17​
ธนบัตรแบบ 16​
Banknote type 16​

Highlight

​3. Watermark 

It is a part of the paper and is created through a special manufacturing process that results in varying thicknesses of the paper’s texture, according to the desired image. The watermark on Thai banknotes features the royal emblem of the reigning monarch. When illuminated or highlighted by light, both the front and back sides of the banknote can be clearly seen. Additionally, the watermark includes special translucent numerals indicating the denomination, in the shape of the Thai emblem.

Banknote type 17
ธนบัตรแบบ 16
Banknote type 16
  • The shadow image of the royal emblem of the reigning monarch has a watermark-like appearance, and it is clearly visible on both sides. When the banknote is lifted and viewed under bright light, the shadow image can be seen distinctly.

ธนบัตรพอลิเมอร์ชนิดราคา 20 บาท
” 20 Baht polymer banknote.”

4. Transparent window (20 Baht polymer banknote)

It features a clear droplet-shaped window that is see-through on both sides, and there is a small raised numeral “20” on it.

It features a transparent window in the shape of a rice sheaf and a clear numeral “20” at the bottom. The window is see-through on both sides and is printed with special ink. When tilting the banknote up and down, a subtle red color can be seen, and there is a golden numeral “20” in the center of the rice sheaf-shaped window.

  

5. Overlapping image 

It is produced by a printing machine that can print images on both sides simultaneously. This allows the designed patterns on both the front and back sides to perfectly overlap or combine into a complete pattern or image. This can be observed by lifting the banknote and examining it under bright light.

ธนบัตรแบบ 17
Banknote type 17

Banknote type 17

Tilt

6. Concealed numeral

The denomination numeral is hidden within the design pattern and becomes visible when the banknote is tilted towards bright light.

ธนบัตรแบบ 17 
Banknote type 17
​​latent1000.png
Banknote type 16 ( 500 & 1000 Baht the design pattern will change from gold color to green color.) 

 

7. Special printing ink

The design pattern of the 500 Baht and 1000 Baht banknotes is printed with three-dimensional magnetic ink that changes color. Inside, there are denomination numerals that can be seen when the banknote is tilted or flipped left and right, revealing movement and color changes. As for the 100 Baht denomination, the design pattern is printed with special ink that reveals a holographic effect when the banknote is tilted.

ธนบัตรแบบ 17 (ชนิดราคา 500 บาท และ 1000 บาท)​
Banknote type 17 ( 500 Baht & 1000 Baht )​

 

ธนบัตรแบบ 17 (ชนิดราคา 100 บาท)
ธนบัตรแบบ 17 (ชนิดราคา 100 บาท)

The patterns are arranged vertically, and when you tilt and change the viewing angle, you will see a subtle yellow color.

ธนบัตรแบบ 17 (ชนิดราคา 500 บาท และ 1000 บาท)​
Banknote type 17   ( 500 Baht & 1000 Baht )​

Banknote type 17 ( 500 Baht & 1000 Baht )​

8. Colors

Stripe is created during the paper production process using a special technique that embeds a small plastic strip coated with metallic ink into the paper vertically. Certain parts of the strip are visible at intervals and change color when viewed from different angles. Inside the strip, there are small denomination numerals and letters. When the banknote is lifted and viewed under bright light, they can be clearly read.

ธนบัตรแบบ 17 
Banknote type 17
​ธนบัตรแบบ 16 
Banknote type 16
      • There is a vertical gray stripe on the banknote. Inside the stripe, there is a small-sized text that reads “20 บาท 20 BAHT” and can be read from both sides. When the banknote is lifted and viewed under bright light, it can be clearly seen.

ธนบัตรพอลิเมอร์ชนิดราคา 20 บาท
” 20 Baht polymer banknote “

9. Three-dimensional holographic strip.

It is vertically embedded, and inside, there are three-dimensional images. When tilting the banknote back and forth, various elements within the holographic strip will be visible, moving and reflecting beautiful and vibrant colors in the light.

ธนบัตรแบบ 16
Banknote type 16

10. It features a special characteristic under ultraviolet light.

Printed with luminescent special ink, which reveals its luminescent properties when exposed to ultraviolet light. The central design on the banknote, the denomination numeral, and the category symbol illuminate, while the embedded fibers in the paper luminesce in yellow, red, and blue colors.

ธนบัตรแบบ 17 
Banknote type 17
ธนบัตรแบบ 16
Banknote type 16
      • The Thai alphabet and numerals are printed horizontally, while the Roman alphabet and Arabic numerals are printed vertically. Both the Thai alphabet and numerals change to an orange color when exposed to ultraviolet light.

ธนบัตรพอลิเมอร์ชนิดราคา 20 บาท
” 20 Baht polymer banknote “

 

 

 

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