Ruqayyah Snyder
Counterfeit Australian currency is a growing concern, with incidents of fake $50 and $100 notes being used to scam local businesses and private sellers. While Australian banknotes have numerous security features to deter counterfeiting, it is important to be able to identify fake notes. This paragraph will explore the key indicators of counterfeit Australian money and provide tips on how to spot a fake note. From the unique feel of genuine notes to the rolling colour effect when tilted, there are several ways to ensure the authenticity of Australian currency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Printed names of the people featured on the banknote | Added in 2002 |
| Year of production | First two numerals of the serial number |
| Order of signatures | Governor's signature above Secretary to the Treasury's |
| Signature order change | Implemented in 2002 |
| Banknote material | Polymer plastic |
| Banknote texture | Unique feel with raised printing |
| Ability to return to shape | Passes the scrunch test |
| Colour effect when tilted | Rolling colour effect on both sides |
| Three-dimensional image when tilted | A fan on the $100 note, a book on the $50 note |
| Microprint | Visible under a microscope |
| Clear film | Present in newer notes |
| Fluorescence under UV light | True of older notes |
| Hologram | Should be present |
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The ''scrunch test'
Australian banknotes are printed on polymer plastic and have a unique feel to them. One way to identify counterfeit notes is to perform "The Scrunch Test". This involves scrunching the note in your hand and then releasing it. If the note returns to its original shape, it is a genuine banknote. However, if it holds its scrunched shape, it is likely to be a counterfeit.
The Scrunch Test is a simple and effective way to check the authenticity of Australian banknotes, as genuine notes are designed to be resilient and return to their original form after being crumpled. This test can be easily performed by anyone, without the need for special tools or equipment. It is a quick and practical method to detect counterfeit notes, especially in busy environments where cash is frequently exchanged, such as retail stores or restaurants.
While The Scrunch Test is a useful tool, it is important to be aware of other security features that can help identify counterfeit notes. For newer notes, the "tilt method" can be used to observe a rolling colour effect and a three-dimensional image, such as a fan on the $100 note or a book on the $50 note. Additionally, the "tear test" is another simple method where you gently try to tear the note; if it is a counterfeit, it is likely to be made of paper and will tear easily.
It is worth noting that counterfeiters are constantly developing more sophisticated methods to produce fake currency, so staying informed about the latest security features of genuine banknotes is essential. The Reserve Bank of Australia provides guidelines and tools to help identify counterfeit notes, and it is recommended to report any suspected counterfeit currency to the relevant authorities, such as the ACT Policing or the Australian Federal Police.
By being vigilant and utilizing tests like The Scrunch Test, individuals and businesses can help prevent the circulation of counterfeit money and protect themselves from financial loss.
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The 'tilt test'
One of the ways to check if an Australian banknote is fake is by performing the tilt test. This test is used to check the legitimacy of the new polymer notes.
The new Australian notes have a clear top-to-bottom window with an embossed image on the smaller clear window in the corner. When the note is tilted, the image on the smaller window should appear raised or recessed, and a three-dimensional image with a colourful border should be seen. The bird on the window should appear to move its wings and change colour. Additionally, a number within the building should change direction—the number alternately appears forward, disappears, and then appears backward. Finally, a rolling colour effect should be visible on both sides of the note.
The tilt test is one of the many tests that can be performed to check for counterfeit notes. Other tests include the scrunch test, the scratch test, and the UV light test.
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UV light test
When checking if an Australian banknote is fake, one of the recommended tests is to use a UV light. This is because Australian banknotes have several security features that are only visible under UV light.
Firstly, the serial number of a genuine Australian banknote should fluoresce under UV light. The serial number is usually accompanied by a bird and the year of print, which should also be visible under UV light. Secondly, a rectangular patch showing the value becomes visible on the $20, $50 and $100 banknotes, and a square patch appears on the $5 banknote. Finally, the Reserve Bank of Australia has stated that the old Australian bills will fluoresce under UV light, while the new notes have a clear top-to-bottom window with an embossed image on the smaller clear window in the corner.
It is important to note that not all UV black lights are suitable for viewing the UV features on Australian banknotes. The Reserve Bank of Australia recommends using a UV black light with a wavelength centred around 365nm in low ambient lighting conditions. Many UV black lights that use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) emit wavelengths between 395-400nm, which are not suitable.
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Raised printing
One of the most important security features of Australian banknotes is the raised print. This is achieved through intaglio printing, where ink is transferred to sheets under great pressure using engraved metal plates. This process also produces some of the microprinting and embossed features seen on the notes.
The raised print is one of the reasons why Australian banknotes have a unique feel to them. The notes are made of polymer plastic, which is a type of plastic pellet that is melted down and blown up into a huge bubble. The walls of the bubble are pressed together and run through rollers to form long thin rolls of clear plastic film. After cooling, the film is cut into sheets and printed with white ink, which helps the other ink stick to the plastic. This is also when the clear window in the banknote is formed.
The sheets are then run through a press that prints on both sides simultaneously, ensuring that the images always line up perfectly. Finally, the raised printing is applied. This raised printing is one of the security features that make Australian banknotes harder to counterfeit.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has developed tools to help identify counterfeit notes, and it is important to report any suspected fake currency to the police. Some signs that a note may be counterfeit include a "'plastic-y' feel", visible errors, and the absence of a clear window or security features like microprinting.
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Serial number
The serial numbers on Australian banknotes can be used to determine the year a banknote was produced. The first two numerals of the serial number indicate the year, for example, '99' means the banknote was printed in 1999, while '03' means it was printed in 2003.
The serial numbers on Australian banknotes also glow under ultraviolet light. This feature can be used to verify the legitimacy of a banknote. When held up to the light, a seven-pointed star should be visible on both sides of the bill, and a hidden image of the Australian Coat of Arms should appear to the right of the portrait.
The Reserve Bank of Australia provides a tool to help identify counterfeit notes, which walks users through the steps to check the legitimacy of each type of bill. It is important to note that counterfeits have no value and will not be reimbursed.
In addition to checking the serial numbers, there are other security features to look out for when trying to identify counterfeit Australian money. One feature is the clear window on the new notes, which has an embossed image on the smaller clear window in the corner. When tilted, a new banknote should show a rolling colour effect on both sides. The $100 note should display a three-dimensional image of a fan, while the $50 note should show a book.
Australian banknotes also include raised printing, called intaglio print. By running a finger over the portrait and numerals, one should be able to feel the texture. Banknotes also contain micro-printing, which is very small text that can usually only be read with a magnifying glass.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian money is printed on polymer plastic and should return to its shape after being scrunched. It should also have a unique feel with raised printing. When tilted, a new banknote should show a rolling colour effect, visible on both sides.
New Australian banknotes were introduced between 2016 and 2020, and the older designs are still in circulation. To identify whether a note is counterfeit, you must first determine if it is an old or new bill. Old Australian bills will fluoresce under UV light.
If you suspect that currency is counterfeit, you can refuse to accept it. If you have received counterfeit currency, you should handle it as little as possible and contact the police.
