Overview of security features
CIS - Color - Image - Sensor (Color-Image-Sensor)
A distinction is made between different types of CIS sensors. Simple sensors, some of which are only a few millimeters in size, determine the color value of the banknotes to be checked. This procedure is sometimes used in conjunction with other verification methods. However, there are also cheap banknote counting machines in which the value is determined using sensors of this type. High-quality banknote counting machines, mostly so-called 2-pocket counters, use full-size CIS sensors. Here, an image-moderate scan of the banknotes is made, which then makes it possible to also count the USD in terms of value, to determine the front or back of the banknotes or other functions.
CS - Color Sensor (Color Sensor)
The color sensors are a simplified form of the CIS sensor. Here, only the color of the banknote is verified and matched with the detected value.
COL - color detection
See also CIS Sensors
FL - Fluorescence
Fluorescent properties on the banknotes that can be detected by means of suitable sensors
IMG - Image verification
See also CIS Sensors
IR - Infrared
Color that is "visible" only under infrared radiation to devices with appropriate sensors. Many currencies are equipped with this security feature. Euro banknotes generally contain this feature. In some cases, IR colors with different wavelengths are also used for the various currencies.
IR-R - Infrared reflection
Infrared reflectance measurement is a special measuring method for detecting IR color areas on banknotes.
IR-T - Infrared thickness measurement
IR sensors can also be used to determine the paper thickness. Depending on the light transmission of the note, it is determined whether, for example, two notes pass the sensor at the same time.
MG - magnetic paint
The printing ink of euro banknotes and other currencies contains magnetic pigments that can be detected with appropriate sensors. On some banknotes, only the (predominantly black) serial number is marked with magnetically pigmented printing ink. But entire areas on banknotes can also contain magnetic areas. The magnetic pigments are similar to the coating on magnetic tapes.
MT - Magnet code
The MT code is a kind of magnetic bar code (EAN code), which is applied to the silver strip. This MT code is a very secure feature. It is used in different ways during detection. Devices, predominantly counterfeit detectors, check the magnetic property of the silver thread and thus the presence of the MT code, while other devices such as banknote counting machines are sometimes able to read the MT code and thus determine the value of the banknote.
PAP - paper quality
Many counterfeits are now printed on normal paper instead of special cotton paper. When using chemical test pens, this difference is tested. If the note is made of paper and you make a mark on the note, the mark turns to dark brown/black. If this effect occurs, the note is definitely a forgery. However, counterfeiters are able to treat the forgeries in such a way (hairspray) that recognition with chemical pens is prevented.
SD - Format
In addition to determining the value by reading out the MT code, the banknote value can also be determined by format recognition. Since, for example, each euro note has a different note length, each length value represents a value. This method is used for the most part in electronic counterfeit detectors to determine the banknote value. In banknote counting machines, SD (side detection) is still used today, but in many cases it has been replaced by either CIS or MT code.
SPA- Spectral Analysis
The composition is known only to the European Central Bank and is - according to them - a secure means of distinguishing counterfeits from genuine banknotes. Only a few testing and counting devices use this feature for counterfeit detection.
TH - paper thickness
See also IR-T - Infrared Strength Measurement
UV - Ultraviolet
Printing ink containing fluorescent pigments is used. These light up under a UV test device. This fluorescent color deviates from the visible coloration. This is a safety feature that is largely insufficient as a sole test criterion.
WL - White light
Some UV lamps are also equipped with a so-called white light detection. If a banknote is placed on the white light surface, the watermark and the dash bars in the notes become visible. The see-through register can also be checked in this way.
WM - Watermark
The watermark on banknotes is located in the light, unprinted area of the notes. It can be seen by holding the note up to the light or by placing it on the white light area under a UV lamp, if available.