Banknote Terminology

Index

• Cutting Cup
• Error
• EURion Constellation
• Intaglio Print
• Proof
• Replacement Note
• Scrip
• Security Thread
• Specimen
• UV Printing
• Watermark

Cutting Cup

This anomaly is a series specific condition, existing only on notes with an interwoven security strip. When the blades of the cutting machines apply pressure on this area, it slightly bends the metal security strip before the pressure is enough to cut it. The buckling of this security strip before it cuts causes the paper to adopt a half moon shaped dome, rarely larger then a centimeter across, that envelopes the areas where the security strip and the edge meet.

Error

These are banknotes that have were not printed or manufactured according to standard. Error notes are produced when something goes wrong in the manufacturing process. Error notes are usually removed by the printer before the banknote enters circulation. Error notes which enter circulation are very collectable and often valued more than face value.

EURion Constellation

EURion Constellation highlighted in different colours on a the front of a Canada $20.

EURion Constellation highlighted in different colours on a the back of a Canada $20.

Is a pattern of symbols found on a number of banknote designs worldwide since about 1996. It is added to help software detect the presence of a banknote in a digital image. Such software can then block the user from reproducing banknotes to prevent counterfeiting using colour photocopiers.

Intaglio Print

 

The intaglio process is unique to the high-security printer. It is used to print fine details in strong, rich colours and helps prevent soiling thereby increasing note life. Intaglio print enables two simple tests of banknote authenticity: It creates a raised print on the note which is easily identifiable by touch and contributes to the distinctive feel of a banknote.  It never dries completely, meaning some intaglio ink can be rubbed off a banknote

Proof

Whole or partial accepted design of a banknote which is still to be printed. Proofs are printed for propose of checking some details.

Replacement Note

Replacement notes are a special sequence of notes printed by printer to replace notes which were damaged during printing process. The damaged notes are usually destroyed by the printer. Replacement notes usually have a special identifier printed on the note's serial number to indicate that they were a replacement. For example a *, X, a star or Z indicate replacement notes.

Scrip
Private currency usually initially issued in the form of a paper IOU (I Owe You) note by a corporation or an individual. These are not considered banknotes because they were not issued as regional or national currency by a bank or country.

Security Thread

Security threads are an efficient and reliable security element. They are easily recognized by the general public and offer a high level of protection against counterfeiting thanks to the complex techniques used to produce them. Security threads are inserted into the paper at the cylinder mould during the paper production process – either fully covered by the paper or as a window thread that is visible on the surface of the paper at regular intervals.

Security threads offer a wide range of applications and are versatile in their design. Striking holographic and color-shift effects are very popular here, as they allow the public to very quickly and easily authenticate a banknote. Security threads are up to 5 mm wide and also contain multi-functional characteristics such as holograms, demetallization, UV luminescence, and machine readability.

Specimen
Specimen banknote is sample or first run of notes printed to as a way of checking to see whether or not the design is suitable for putting into full production as a currency issue. Sometime these notes are sold by the central bank to collectors. Specimen banknotes usually have an overprint, are perforated or punched, given a serial number of all nines or all zeroes.

UV Printing

UV Printing or Ultra Violet Printing refers to images or text printed on a banknote that are not visible to the naked eye under normal light.  These images are visible only under ultra violet light also known as black light. This is an extra security feature used by banknote printers.  Retailers can use a desktop UV light source to verify the authenticity of banknotes.

Watermark

A watermark is a recognizable image or pattern in the banknote that appears as various shades of lightness/darkness when viewed by transmitted light caused by thickness or density variations in the paper. There are two main ways of producing watermarks in paper; the dandy roll process, and the more complex cylinder mould process.