Security printing - Revision history

Kismereldon: Terminology & spelling cleanups: thermochromic, colour to color; add definite article before "emerald number" for standard English.

Kismereldon — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:15:00 GMT

Terminology & spelling cleanups: thermochromic, colour to color; add definite article before "emerald number" for standard English.

← Previous revision		Revision as of 21:15, 29 January 2026
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	==== Optically variable ink ====		==== Optically variable ink ====
	[[Optically Variable Ink]] (OVI) displays different ~~colours~~ depending on the angle at which it is viewed. It uses [[mica]]-based glitter.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Weather Resistance Series, Pearlescent Pigment, Pearl EX Pigments\|url=http://www.dychemco.com/pearlescent-pigment/1164252.html\|publisher=Dynasty Chemicals (NingBo) Co., Ltd.\|access-date=26 May 2014\|quote=Pearlescent Pigments are made from mica and they are widely used in paints, coating, printing ink, plastic, cosmetic, leather, wallpaper etc.\|archive-date=28 May 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528010526/http://www.dychemco.com/pearlescent-pigment/1164252.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref> As an example, the euro banknotes use this feature as ''emerald number'' on the ES2 series. The ECB recommends to "tilt the banknote". The shiny number in the bottom left corner displays an effect of the light that moves up and down. The number also changes colour from emerald green to deep blue. The EUR 100 and EUR 200 banknotes also show € symbols inside the number.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Security features Europa series €100 banknote \|url=https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/security/html/index.en.html#tilt \|access-date=2022-05-14 \|website=European Central Bank\|date=11 September 2018 }}</ref>		[[Optically Variable Ink]] (OVI) displays different colors depending on the angle at which it is viewed. It uses [[mica]]-based glitter.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Weather Resistance Series, Pearlescent Pigment, Pearl EX Pigments\|url=http://www.dychemco.com/pearlescent-pigment/1164252.html\|publisher=Dynasty Chemicals (NingBo) Co., Ltd.\|access-date=26 May 2014\|quote=Pearlescent Pigments are made from mica and they are widely used in paints, coating, printing ink, plastic, cosmetic, leather, wallpaper etc.\|archive-date=28 May 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528010526/http://www.dychemco.com/pearlescent-pigment/1164252.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref> As an example, the euro banknotes use this feature as the ''emerald number'' on the ES2 series. The ECB recommends to "tilt the banknote". The shiny number in the bottom left corner displays an effect of the light that moves up and down. The number also changes colour from emerald green to deep blue. The EUR 100 and EUR 200 banknotes also show € symbols inside the number.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Security features Europa series €100 banknote \|url=https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/security/html/index.en.html#tilt \|access-date=2022-05-14 \|website=European Central Bank\|date=11 September 2018 }}</ref>

	Coloured magnetizable inks are prepared by including chromatic pigments of high colour strength. The magnetic pigments’ strong inherent colour generally reduces the spectrum of achievable shades. Generally, pigments should be used at high concentrations to ensure that sufficient magnetizable material is applied even in thin offset coats. Some magnetic pigment are best suited for coloured magnetizable inks due to their lower blackness.		Coloured magnetizable inks are prepared by including chromatic pigments of high colour strength. The magnetic pigments’ strong inherent colour generally reduces the spectrum of achievable shades. Generally, pigments should be used at high concentrations to ensure that sufficient magnetizable material is applied even in thin offset coats. Some magnetic pigment are best suited for coloured magnetizable inks due to their lower blackness.
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	The use of colour can greatly assist the prevention of forgeries. By including a colour on a document, a colour photocopier must be used in attempting to make a copy. However, the use of these machines also tends to enhance the effectiveness of other technologies such as Void Pantographs and Verification Grids {{xref\|(see: {{slink\|\|Copy-evidence}}, below)}}.		The use of colour can greatly assist the prevention of forgeries. By including a colour on a document, a colour photocopier must be used in attempting to make a copy. However, the use of these machines also tends to enhance the effectiveness of other technologies such as Void Pantographs and Verification Grids {{xref\|(see: {{slink\|\|Copy-evidence}}, below)}}.

	By using two or more ~~colours~~ in the background and blending them together, a prismatic effect can be created. This can be done on either a traditional or a digital press. When a document using this technique is attempted to be photocopied, the scanning and re-creation by a colour copier is inexact, usually resulting in banding or blotching, and thereby immediate recognition of the document as being a copy.		By using two or more colors in the background and blending them together, a prismatic effect can be created. This can be done on either a traditional or a digital press. When a document using this technique is attempted to be photocopied, the scanning and re-creation by a colour copier is inexact, usually resulting in banding or blotching, and thereby immediate recognition of the document as being a copy.

	A frequent example of prismatic colouring is on checks where it is combined with other techniques such as the [[void pantograph]], to increase the difficulty of successful counterfeiting.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Security Features\|url=https://www.advlaser.com/v/vspfiles/files/pdf/security.pdf\|publisher=Advantage Laser Products\|access-date=26 May 2014\|quote=Prismatic Two-Colour Pantograph A multi-colour background in which two ~~colours~~ change density and blend into each other, making it very difficult to reproduce}}</ref>		A frequent example of prismatic colouring is on checks where it is combined with other techniques such as the [[void pantograph]], to increase the difficulty of successful counterfeiting.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Security Features\|url=https://www.advlaser.com/v/vspfiles/files/pdf/security.pdf\|publisher=Advantage Laser Products\|access-date=26 May 2014\|quote=Prismatic Two-Colour Pantograph A multi-colour background in which two colors change density and blend into each other, making it very difficult to reproduce}}</ref>

	==== Copy-evidence ====		==== Copy-evidence ====
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	</gallery>		</gallery>

	==== ~~Thermochromatic~~ ink ====		==== Thermochromic ink ====
	{{main\| Thermochromic ink}}		{{main\| Thermochromic ink}}
	Several types of ink are available which change colour with temperature. Security ink with a normal "trigger" temperature of {{convert\|88\|F\|C}}, which will either disappear or change ~~colours~~ when the ink is rubbed, usually by the fingertips. This is based on a ~~thermochromatic~~ effect.		Several types of ink are available which change colour with temperature. Security ink with a normal "trigger" temperature of {{convert\|88\|F\|C}}, which will either disappear or change colors when the ink is rubbed, usually by the fingertips. This is based on a thermochromic effect.

	==== Serial numbers ====		==== Serial numbers ====
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	==== Embossing ====		==== Embossing ====
	The substrate may be [[Paper embossing\|embossed]] to create raised designs as tactile security feature. It may be combined with intaglio printing. As an example, the euro series ES2 has different pattern of lines at the short edges of the banknote to support blind people in distinguishing the [[Denomination (currency)\|denominations]].		The substrate may be [[Paper embossing\|embossed]] to create raised designs as tactile security feature. It may be combined with intaglio printing. As an example, the euro series ES2 has a different pattern of lines at the short edges of the banknote to support blind people in distinguishing the [[Denomination (currency)\|denominations]].

	== Security features detectable with simple tools ==		== Security features detectable with simple tools ==

InternetArchiveBot: Rescuing 3 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5

InternetArchiveBot — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 07:42:18 GMT

Rescuing 3 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5

← Previous revision		Revision as of 07:42, 19 December 2025
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	* ''SwissBanknotes'' from the [[Swiss National Bank]] for the [[Swiss franc]] with animated effects<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.snb.ch/en/mmr/reference/pre_20160412/source/pre_20160412.de.pdf \|title=Swiss National Bank releases banknote app \|date=2016-04-12 \|access-date=2022-05-23 \|website=Swiss National Bank}}</ref>		* ''SwissBanknotes'' from the [[Swiss National Bank]] for the [[Swiss franc]] with animated effects<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.snb.ch/en/mmr/reference/pre_20160412/source/pre_20160412.de.pdf \|title=Swiss National Bank releases banknote app \|date=2016-04-12 \|access-date=2022-05-23 \|website=Swiss National Bank}}</ref>
	* ''MalawiKwacha'' from the [[Reserve Bank of Malawi]] for the [[Malawian kwacha]] with simulations of tilting and tactility as well as interactive effects by [[enhanced reality]]<ref>{{Cite web\|author=Orama Chiphwanya\|url=https://mwnation.com/malawi-kwacha-app-to-curb-counterfeit-currency/\|title=Malawi kwacha app to curb counterfeit currency\|website=The Nation\|date=2019-02-01\|access-date=2019-05-06}}</ref>		* ''MalawiKwacha'' from the [[Reserve Bank of Malawi]] for the [[Malawian kwacha]] with simulations of tilting and tactility as well as interactive effects by [[enhanced reality]]<ref>{{Cite web\|author=Orama Chiphwanya\|url=https://mwnation.com/malawi-kwacha-app-to-curb-counterfeit-currency/\|title=Malawi kwacha app to curb counterfeit currency\|website=The Nation\|date=2019-02-01\|access-date=2019-05-06\|archive-date=2020-09-28\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928022859/https://www.mwnation.com/malawi-kwacha-app-to-curb-counterfeit-currency/\|url-status=dead}}</ref>
	* ''SARBCurrency'' from the [[South African Reserve Bank]] for the [[South African rand]] as an offline application explaining the security features by enhanced reality<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.resbank.co.za/BanknotesandCoin/Pages/SARB-Currency-Mobile-App-.aspx\|title=SARB Currency Mobile App\|publisher=South African Reserve Bank\|access-date=2019-05-06\|archive-date=2019-05-01\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501165019/https://www.resbank.co.za/BanknotesandCoin/Pages/SARB-Currency-Mobile-App-.aspx\|url-status=dead}}</ref>		* ''SARBCurrency'' from the [[South African Reserve Bank]] for the [[South African rand]] as an offline application explaining the security features by enhanced reality<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.resbank.co.za/BanknotesandCoin/Pages/SARB-Currency-Mobile-App-.aspx\|title=SARB Currency Mobile App\|publisher=South African Reserve Bank\|access-date=2019-05-06\|archive-date=2019-05-01\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501165019/https://www.resbank.co.za/BanknotesandCoin/Pages/SARB-Currency-Mobile-App-.aspx\|url-status=dead}}</ref>
	* ''Lilangeni'' from the [[Central Bank of Eswatini]] for the [[Swazi lilangeni]] with simulations of tilting and tactility as well as interactive effects by enhanced reality<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.gi-de.com/en/payment/cash/digital-solutions/central-banks-cash-management-solutions/currency-app \|title=Currency App: Introducing banknotes in a new and interactive way \|access-date=2022-05-23 \|website=Giesecke+Devirent}}</ref>		* ''Lilangeni'' from the [[Central Bank of Eswatini]] for the [[Swazi lilangeni]] with simulations of tilting and tactility as well as interactive effects by enhanced reality<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.gi-de.com/en/payment/cash/digital-solutions/central-banks-cash-management-solutions/currency-app \|title=Currency App: Introducing banknotes in a new and interactive way \|access-date=2022-05-23 \|website=Giesecke+Devirent}}</ref>
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	==== Optically variable ink ====		==== Optically variable ink ====
	[[Optically Variable Ink]] (OVI) displays different colours depending on the angle at which it is viewed. It uses [[mica]]-based glitter.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Weather Resistance Series, Pearlescent Pigment, Pearl EX Pigments\|url=http://www.dychemco.com/pearlescent-pigment/1164252.html\|publisher=Dynasty Chemicals (NingBo) Co., Ltd.\|access-date=26 May 2014\|quote=Pearlescent Pigments are made from mica and they are widely used in paints, coating, printing ink, plastic, cosmetic, leather, wallpaper etc.~~}}{{Dead link~~\|date=~~February~~ ~~2025~~}}</ref> As an example, the euro banknotes use this feature as ''emerald number'' on the ES2 series. The ECB recommends to "tilt the banknote". The shiny number in the bottom left corner displays an effect of the light that moves up and down. The number also changes colour from emerald green to deep blue. The EUR 100 and EUR 200 banknotes also show € symbols inside the number.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Security features Europa series €100 banknote \|url=https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/security/html/index.en.html#tilt \|access-date=2022-05-14 \|website=European Central Bank\|date=11 September 2018 }}</ref>		[[Optically Variable Ink]] (OVI) displays different colours depending on the angle at which it is viewed. It uses [[mica]]-based glitter.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Weather Resistance Series, Pearlescent Pigment, Pearl EX Pigments\|url=http://www.dychemco.com/pearlescent-pigment/1164252.html\|publisher=Dynasty Chemicals (NingBo) Co., Ltd.\|access-date=26 May 2014\|quote=Pearlescent Pigments are made from mica and they are widely used in paints, coating, printing ink, plastic, cosmetic, leather, wallpaper etc.\|archive-date=28 May 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528010526/http://www.dychemco.com/pearlescent-pigment/1164252.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref> As an example, the euro banknotes use this feature as ''emerald number'' on the ES2 series. The ECB recommends to "tilt the banknote". The shiny number in the bottom left corner displays an effect of the light that moves up and down. The number also changes colour from emerald green to deep blue. The EUR 100 and EUR 200 banknotes also show € symbols inside the number.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Security features Europa series €100 banknote \|url=https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/security/html/index.en.html#tilt \|access-date=2022-05-14 \|website=European Central Bank\|date=11 September 2018 }}</ref>

	Coloured magnetizable inks are prepared by including chromatic pigments of high colour strength. The magnetic pigments’ strong inherent colour generally reduces the spectrum of achievable shades. Generally, pigments should be used at high concentrations to ensure that sufficient magnetizable material is applied even in thin offset coats. Some magnetic pigment are best suited for coloured magnetizable inks due to their lower blackness.		Coloured magnetizable inks are prepared by including chromatic pigments of high colour strength. The magnetic pigments’ strong inherent colour generally reduces the spectrum of achievable shades. Generally, pigments should be used at high concentrations to ensure that sufficient magnetizable material is applied even in thin offset coats. Some magnetic pigment are best suited for coloured magnetizable inks due to their lower blackness.
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	=== Level 3 features ===		=== Level 3 features ===
	Most central banks also implement so-called ''Level 3'' (L3) security features which are kept totally secret for their ingredients as well as their sophisticated measurement. Such covert features may be embedded within the substrate and/or the printing ink and are not commercially available. They are the ultimate safeguard in banknote security and restricted to the use of central banks. The machine-readable ''M-Feature'' from [[Giesecke+Devrient]] is the worldwide leading L3 feature and currently used by more than 70 central banks and more than 100 billion banknotes in circulation.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2022 \|title=Unparalleled security: The M-Feature \|url=https://www.gi-de.com/en/payment/cash/banknote-security-technology/m-feature \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=Giesecke+Devrient}}</ref> Other products are ''ENIGMA'' from [[De La Rue]]<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-10-26 \|title=ENIGMA: Our invisible high security taggant feature \|url=https://www.delarue.com/currency/products/enigma \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=De La Rue}}</ref> and ''Level III Authentication'' from Spectra Systems.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-10-26 \|title=Banknote Security Features \|url=https://www.spsy.com/products-and-services/banknote-security/banknote-security-features/ \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=Spectra Systems Corporation}}</ref>		Most central banks also implement so-called ''Level 3'' (L3) security features which are kept totally secret for their ingredients as well as their sophisticated measurement. Such covert features may be embedded within the substrate and/or the printing ink and are not commercially available. They are the ultimate safeguard in banknote security and restricted to the use of central banks. The machine-readable ''M-Feature'' from [[Giesecke+Devrient]] is the worldwide leading L3 feature and currently used by more than 70 central banks and more than 100 billion banknotes in circulation.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2022 \|title=Unparalleled security: The M-Feature \|url=https://www.gi-de.com/en/payment/cash/banknote-security-technology/m-feature \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=Giesecke+Devrient}}</ref> Other products are ''ENIGMA'' from [[De La Rue]]<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-10-26 \|title=ENIGMA: Our invisible high security taggant feature \|url=https://www.delarue.com/currency/products/enigma \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=De La Rue \|archive-date=2023-10-26 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026080856/https://www.delarue.com/currency/products/enigma \|url-status=dead }}</ref> and ''Level III Authentication'' from Spectra Systems.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-10-26 \|title=Banknote Security Features \|url=https://www.spsy.com/products-and-services/banknote-security/banknote-security-features/ \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=Spectra Systems Corporation}}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==

Polytope4d: /* Anti-copying marks */

Polytope4d — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 06:24:58 GMT

Anti-copying marks

← Previous revision		Revision as of 06:24, 18 October 2025
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	File:EUR 5 2S EURion.jpg\|Obverse (cutout) of 5 euro (series ES2)		File:EUR 5 2S EURion.jpg\|Obverse (cutout) of 5 euro (series ES2)
	File:EURion twenty.jpg\|Obverse (cutout) of 20 US dollar (as part of the value numeral ''20'')		File:EURion twenty.jpg\|Obverse (cutout) of 20 US dollar (as part of the value numeral ''20'')
	File:Omrr typ2 Egypt pound 200 rev 2013.jpg\|Reverse (cutout) of Egyptian 200 pound]]		File:Omrr typ2 Egypt pound 200 rev 2013.jpg\|Reverse (cutout) of Egyptian 200 pound
	</gallery>		</gallery>

Polytope4d: /* Anti-copying marks */ added image of Egypt 200 pound cutout

Polytope4d — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 06:24:38 GMT

Anti-copying marks: added image of Egypt 200 pound cutout

← Previous revision		Revision as of 06:24, 18 October 2025
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	File:EUR 5 2S EURion.jpg\|Obverse (cutout) of 5 euro (series ES2)		File:EUR 5 2S EURion.jpg\|Obverse (cutout) of 5 euro (series ES2)
	File:EURion twenty.jpg\|Obverse (cutout) of 20 US dollar (as part of the value numeral ''20'')		File:EURion twenty.jpg\|Obverse (cutout) of 20 US dollar (as part of the value numeral ''20'')
			File:Omrr typ2 Egypt pound 200 rev 2013.jpg\|Reverse (cutout) of Egyptian 200 pound]]
	</gallery>		</gallery>

GuccizBud: /* Magnetic ink */ Copy edit ▸ Links ▸ "Polyethylene", to its article.

GuccizBud — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 18:51:24 GMT

Magnetic ink: Copy edit ▸ Links ▸ "Polyethylene", to its article.

← Previous revision		Revision as of 18:51, 26 September 2025
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	{{pb}}		{{pb}}
	=== Magnetic ink ===		=== Magnetic ink ===
	Because of the speed with which they can be read by computer systems, magnetic ink character recognition is used extensively in banking, primarily for personal checks. The ink used in [[magnetic ink character recognition]] (MICR) technology is also used to greatly reduce errors in automated (or computerized) reading. The pigment is dispersed in a binder system (resin, solvent) or a wax compound and applied either by pressing or by hot melt to a carrier film (usually polyethylene).<ref>{{cite journal\|title=Magnetic pigments\|date=July 2004\|page=6\|url=http://www.basf.pl/ecp1/Poland/pl/function/conversions:/publish/upload/02_Products_Industries/04_Business_Segments/Pigmenty/Pigmenty_magnetyczne_.pdf\|access-date=26 May 2014\|publisher=BASF, The Chemical Company}}</ref>		Because of the speed with which they can be read by computer systems, magnetic ink character recognition is used extensively in banking, primarily for personal checks. The ink used in [[magnetic ink character recognition]] (MICR) technology is also used to greatly reduce errors in automated (or computerized) reading. The pigment is dispersed in a binder system (resin, solvent) or a wax compound and applied either by pressing or by hot melt to a carrier film (usually [[polyethylene]]).<ref>{{cite journal\|title=Magnetic pigments\|date=July 2004\|page=6\|url=http://www.basf.pl/ecp1/Poland/pl/function/conversions:/publish/upload/02_Products_Industries/04_Business_Segments/Pigmenty/Pigmenty_magnetyczne_.pdf\|access-date=26 May 2014\|publisher=BASF, The Chemical Company}}</ref>

	Some people believe that the magnetic ink was intended as a fraud prevention concept, yet the original intent was to have a non-optical technology so that writing on the cheque, like signatures, would not interfere with reading. The main magnetic fonts (E13-B and CMC7) are downloadable for a small fee and in addition magnetic toner is available for many printers. Some higher resolution toners have sufficient magnetic properties for magnetic reading to be successful without special toner.		Some people believe that the magnetic ink was intended as a fraud prevention concept, yet the original intent was to have a non-optical technology so that writing on the cheque, like signatures, would not interfere with reading. The main magnetic fonts (E13-B and CMC7) are downloadable for a small fee and in addition magnetic toner is available for many printers. Some higher resolution toners have sufficient magnetic properties for magnetic reading to be successful without special toner.

GuccizBud: /* Machine-readable security features */ Copy edit ▸ Diction and presentation.

GuccizBud — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:32:56 GMT

Machine-readable security features: Copy edit ▸ Diction and presentation.

← Previous revision		Revision as of 15:32, 26 September 2025
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	== Machine-readable security features ==		== Machine-readable security features ==
	Machine-readable features are used in [[passport]]s for [[border control]] and in [[banknote processing]].		Machine-readable features are used in [[passport]]s for [[border control]] and in [[banknote processing]].
			{{pb}}
	* The commercial market is using ''Level 2 features'' (L2) which are partly disclosed by the [[central bank]]s. This applies for cash handling machines, such as [[automated teller machine]]s and [[ticket machine]]s.		* The commercial market is using ''Level 2 features'' (L2) which are partly disclosed by the [[central bank]]s. This applies for cash handling machines, such as [[automated teller machine]]s and [[ticket machine]]s.
	* The central banks are additionally using ''Level 3 features'' (L3) which are kept completely secret. They are necessary to maintain the integrity of cash in circulation and isolate professional counterfeiting.		* The central banks are additionally using ''Level 3 features'' (L3) which are kept completely secret. They are necessary to maintain the integrity of cash in circulation and isolate professional counterfeiting.
			{{np}}{{pb}}

	~~'''There~~ ~~are~~ ~~the~~ ~~following~~ machine-readable ~~features~~ ~~(extract)~~:~~'''~~		Following is a partial list of machine-readable security features:
			{{pb}}

	=== Magnetic ink ===		=== Magnetic ink ===
	Because of the speed with which they can be read by computer systems, magnetic ink character recognition is used extensively in banking, primarily for personal checks. The ink used in [[magnetic ink character recognition]] (MICR) technology is also used to greatly reduce errors in automated (or computerized) reading. The pigment is dispersed in a binder system (resin, solvent) or a wax compound and applied either by pressing or by hot melt to a carrier film (usually polyethylene).<ref>{{cite journal\|title=Magnetic pigments\|date=July 2004\|page=6\|url=http://www.basf.pl/ecp1/Poland/pl/function/conversions:/publish/upload/02_Products_Industries/04_Business_Segments/Pigmenty/Pigmenty_magnetyczne_.pdf\|access-date=26 May 2014\|publisher=BASF, The Chemical Company}}</ref>		Because of the speed with which they can be read by computer systems, magnetic ink character recognition is used extensively in banking, primarily for personal checks. The ink used in [[magnetic ink character recognition]] (MICR) technology is also used to greatly reduce errors in automated (or computerized) reading. The pigment is dispersed in a binder system (resin, solvent) or a wax compound and applied either by pressing or by hot melt to a carrier film (usually polyethylene).<ref>{{cite journal\|title=Magnetic pigments\|date=July 2004\|page=6\|url=http://www.basf.pl/ecp1/Poland/pl/function/conversions:/publish/upload/02_Products_Industries/04_Business_Segments/Pigmenty/Pigmenty_magnetyczne_.pdf\|access-date=26 May 2014\|publisher=BASF, The Chemical Company}}</ref>
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	=== Level 3 features ===		=== Level 3 features ===
	Most central banks also implement so-called ''Level 3'' (L3) security features which are kept totally secret for their ingredients as well as their sophisticated measurement. Such covert features may be embedded within the substrate and/or the printing ink and are not commercially available. They are the ultimate safeguard in banknote security and restricted to the use of central banks. The machine-readable ''M-Feature'' from [[Giesecke+Devrient]] is the worldwide leading L3 feature and currently used by more than 70 central banks and more than 100 billion banknotes in circulation.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2022 \|title=Unparalleled security: The M-Feature \|url=https://www.gi-de.com/en/payment/cash/banknote-security-technology/m-feature \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=Giesecke+Devrient}}</ref> Other products are ''ENIGMA'' from [[De La Rue]]<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-10-26 \|title=ENIGMA: Our invisible high security taggant feature \|url=https://www.delarue.com/currency/products/enigma \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=De La Rue}}</ref> and ''Level III Authentication'' from Spectra Systems.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-10-26 \|title=Banknote Security Features \|url=https://www.spsy.com/products-and-services/banknote-security/banknote-security-features/ \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=Spectra Systems Corporation}}</ref>		Most central banks also implement so-called ''Level 3'' (L3) security features which are kept totally secret for their ingredients as well as their sophisticated measurement. Such covert features may be embedded within the substrate and/or the printing ink and are not commercially available. They are the ultimate safeguard in banknote security and restricted to the use of central banks. The machine-readable ''M-Feature'' from [[Giesecke+Devrient]] is the worldwide leading L3 feature and currently used by more than 70 central banks and more than 100 billion banknotes in circulation.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2022 \|title=Unparalleled security: The M-Feature \|url=https://www.gi-de.com/en/payment/cash/banknote-security-technology/m-feature \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=Giesecke+Devrient}}</ref> Other products are ''ENIGMA'' from [[De La Rue]]<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-10-26 \|title=ENIGMA: Our invisible high security taggant feature \|url=https://www.delarue.com/currency/products/enigma \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=De La Rue}}</ref> and ''Level III Authentication'' from Spectra Systems.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-10-26 \|title=Banknote Security Features \|url=https://www.spsy.com/products-and-services/banknote-security/banknote-security-features/ \|access-date=2023-10-26 \|website=Spectra Systems Corporation}}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==

GuccizBud: /* Infrared characteristics */ Copy edit ▸ Diction.

GuccizBud — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:25:59 GMT

Infrared characteristics: Copy edit ▸ Diction.

← Previous revision		Revision as of 15:25, 26 September 2025
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	=== Infrared characteristics ===		=== Infrared characteristics ===
	Inks may have identical color characteristics in the visible spectrum but differ in the [[infrared]] spectrum.		Inks may have identical color characteristics in the visible spectrum, but may differ in the [[infrared]] spectrum.

	<gallery class="center" widths="200" caption="Infrared characteristics of a €50 banknote (ES1)">		<gallery class="center" widths="200" caption="Infrared characteristics of a €50 banknote (ES1)">

GuccizBud: /* top */Copy edit ▸ Diction ▸ The body copy uses "obverse" and "reverse", as do other banknote-related WikiP articles ⁠— not "recto" and "verso".

GuccizBud — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:24:22 GMT

top: Copy edit ▸ Diction ▸ The body copy uses "obverse" and "reverse", as do other banknote-related WikiP articles ⁠— not "recto" and "verso".

← Previous revision		Revision as of 15:24, 26 September 2025
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	<gallery widths="150" heights="80" caption="Transparent Windows">		<gallery widths="150" heights="80" caption="Transparent Windows">
	File:1leu-2005-300px-front.jpg\|~~Recto~~ of 1 [[Romanian Leu]] banknote (series 2005) with partially overprinted window on the left (polymer substrate)		File:1leu-2005-300px-front.jpg\|Obverse of 1 [[Romanian Leu]] banknote (series 2005) with partially overprinted window on the left (polymer substrate)
	File:The Europa series 20 € obverse side.jpg\|~~Recto~~ of 20 [[euro]] banknote (series ES2) with holographic foil over the window (upper right side) (paper substrate)		File:The Europa series 20 € obverse side.jpg\|Obverse of 20 [[euro]] banknote (series ES2) with holographic foil over the window (upper right side) (paper substrate)
	File:The Europa series 20 € reverse side.jpg\|~~Verso~~ of 20 euro banknote (series ES2) with holographic foil over the window (upper left side)		File:The Europa series 20 € reverse side.jpg\|Reverse of 20 euro banknote (series ES2) with holographic foil over the window (upper left side)
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	{{further\|Microprinting}}		{{further\|Microprinting}}
	<gallery widths="150" heights="110" caption="Enlarged microprinting">		<gallery widths="150" heights="110" caption="Enlarged microprinting">
	File:Mikroschrift 100EUR.jpg\|~~Recto~~ of 100 euro (series ES1) (lower left)		File:Mikroschrift 100EUR.jpg\|Obverse of 100 euro (series ES1) (lower left)
	File:Mikroschrift 20CHF.jpg\|~~Recto~~ of 20 [[Swiss franc]] (8th series)		File:Mikroschrift 20CHF.jpg\|Obverse of 20 [[Swiss franc]] (8th series)
	File:Dollarnote siegel hq.jpg\|~~Recto~~ of 1 [[US dollar]] with microprinting and guilloché in the pyramid		File:Dollarnote siegel hq.jpg\|Obverse of 1 [[US dollar]] with microprinting and guilloché in the pyramid
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	Banknotes are typically printed with fine alignment (so-called ''see-through registration window'') between the offset printing on each side of the note. This allows the note to be examined for this feature, and provides opportunities to unambiguously align other features of the note with the printing. Again, this is difficult to imitate accurately enough in most print shops.		Banknotes are typically printed with fine alignment (so-called ''see-through registration window'') between the offset printing on each side of the note. This allows the note to be examined for this feature, and provides opportunities to unambiguously align other features of the note with the printing. Again, this is difficult to imitate accurately enough in most print shops.
	<gallery caption="See-through registration">		<gallery caption="See-through registration">
	File:Durchsichtsregister 100EUR Vorderseite.jpg\|Registration pattern of 100 euro (series ES1) (~~recto~~)		File:Durchsichtsregister 100EUR Vorderseite.jpg\|Registration pattern of 100 euro (series ES1) (obverse)
	File:Durchsichtsregister 100EUR Rückseite.jpg\|Registration pattern of 100 euro (series ES1) (~~verso~~)		File:Durchsichtsregister 100EUR Rückseite.jpg\|Registration pattern of 100 euro (series ES1) (reverse)
	File:Durchsichtsregister 100EUR Durchsicht.jpg\|Registration pattern of 100 euro (series ES1) (transmission)		File:Durchsichtsregister 100EUR Durchsicht.jpg\|Registration pattern of 100 euro (series ES1) (transmission)
	File:Durchsichtsregister 050CHF.jpg\|Registration pattern of 50 Swiss franc (8th series) (transmission)		File:Durchsichtsregister 050CHF.jpg\|Registration pattern of 50 Swiss franc (8th series) (transmission)
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	<gallery class="center" widths="200" caption="Fluorescence of 50 euro banknote (series ES1)">		<gallery class="center" widths="200" caption="Fluorescence of 50 euro banknote (series ES1)">
	File:50EuroFrontUV350.png\|~~Recto~~ at 350 nm<br />The foil of the kinegram (bottom right) and colored fibres show up		File:50EuroFrontUV350.png\|Obverse at 350 nm<br />The foil of the kinegram (bottom right) and colored fibres show up
	File:50 Euro Back UV350.png\|~~Verso~~ at 350 nm<br />The colored fibres are clearly visible		File:50 Euro Back UV350.png\|Reverse at 350 nm<br />The colored fibres are clearly visible
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	<gallery class="center" widths="200" caption="Infrared characteristics of a €50 banknote (ES1)">		<gallery class="center" widths="200" caption="Infrared characteristics of a €50 banknote (ES1)">
	File:50EuroFrontIR700.png\|~~Recto~~ illuminated at 700 nm: partially disappearing colors which appear identical in the [[CMYK color model]].		File:50EuroFrontIR700.png\|Obverse illuminated at 700 nm: partially disappearing colors which appear identical in the [[CMYK color model]].
	File:50 Euro Back IR700.png\|~~Verso~~ illuminated at 700 nm: The serial number (left bottom) nearly disappears.		File:50 Euro Back IR700.png\|Reverse illuminated at 700 nm: The serial number (left bottom) nearly disappears.
	File:50EuroFrontIR1000.png\|~~Recto~~ illuminated at 1000 nm: Most color absorption has disappeared (the Europe flag top left). The watermark is easily detectable.		File:50EuroFrontIR1000.png\|Obverse illuminated at 1000 nm: Most color absorption has disappeared (the Europe flag top left). The watermark is easily detectable.
	File:50 Euro Back IR1000.png\|~~Verso~~ illuminated at 1000 nm: All color absorptions have disappeared except the 50 (bottom right) and the serial number (top right).		File:50 Euro Back IR1000.png\|Reverse illuminated at 1000 nm: All color absorptions have disappeared except the 50 (bottom right) and the serial number (top right).
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	In the late twentieth century advances in computer and photocopy technology made it possible for people without sophisticated training to easily copy currency. In an attempt to prevent this, banks have sought to add filtering features to the software and hardware available to the public that senses features of currency, and then locks out the reproduction of any material with these marks. One known example of such a system is the [[EURion constellation]].		In the late twentieth century advances in computer and photocopy technology made it possible for people without sophisticated training to easily copy currency. In an attempt to prevent this, banks have sought to add filtering features to the software and hardware available to the public that senses features of currency, and then locks out the reproduction of any material with these marks. One known example of such a system is the [[EURion constellation]].
	<gallery widths="150" heights="110" caption="Banknotes with anti-copying marks">		<gallery widths="150" heights="110" caption="Banknotes with anti-copying marks">
	File:EUR 5 2S EURion.jpg\|~~Recto~~ (cutout) of 5 euro (series ES2)		File:EUR 5 2S EURion.jpg\|Obverse (cutout) of 5 euro (series ES2)
	File:EURion twenty.jpg\|~~Recto~~ (cutout) of 20 US dollar (as part of the value numeral ''20'')		File:EURion twenty.jpg\|Obverse (cutout) of 20 US dollar (as part of the value numeral ''20'')
	</gallery>		</gallery>

GuccizBud: /* False-positive testing */ Copy edit ▸ Grammar ▸ Punctuation.

GuccizBud — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:13:48 GMT

False-positive testing: Copy edit ▸ Grammar ▸ Punctuation.

← Previous revision		Revision as of 15:13, 26 September 2025
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	False-positive testing can also be done on documents other than currencies as a means to test their authenticity. With the stroke of a marker a symbol, word or value can be revealed that will allow the user to quickly verify the document, such as a coupon. In more advanced applications the marker creates a barcode which can be scanned for verification or reference to other data within the document resulting in a higher degree of assurance of authenticity.		False-positive testing can also be done on documents other than currencies as a means to test their authenticity. With the stroke of a marker a symbol, word or value can be revealed that will allow the user to quickly verify the document, such as a coupon. In more advanced applications the marker creates a barcode which can be scanned for verification or reference to other data within the document resulting in a higher degree of assurance of authenticity.

	Photocopied documents will lack the special characteristics of the substrate so are easily detectable. False-positive testing generally is a one time test because once done the results remain visible so while useful as part of a coupon this technique is not suitable for ID badges for example.		Photocopied documents will lack the special characteristics of the substrate, and so are easily detectable. False-positive testing generally is a one-time test, because once done, the results remain visible, so while useful as part of a coupon, this technique is not suitable for ID badges, for example.

	=== Fluorescent dyes ===		=== Fluorescent dyes ===

GuccizBud: /* Intaglio printing */ Copy edit ▸ Presentation.

GuccizBud — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 13:36:32 GMT

Intaglio printing: Copy edit ▸ Presentation.

← Previous revision		Revision as of 13:36, 26 September 2025
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	==== Intaglio printing ====		==== Intaglio printing ====
	[[File:Banknote portrait pattern (Intaglio print, tactile effect).jpg\|thumb\|Tactile intaglio printing on ~~1000~~ [[Hungarian forint]] (series 2018)]]		[[File:Banknote portrait pattern (Intaglio print, tactile effect).jpg\|thumb\|Tactile intaglio printing on 1,000 [[Hungarian forint]] (series 2018)]]
	[[intaglio (printmaking)\|Intaglio printing]] is a technique in which the image is incised into a surface. Normally, copper or zinc plates are used, and the incisions are created by [[etching]] or [[engraving]] the image, but one may also use [[mezzotint]]. In printing, the surface is covered in ink, and then rubbed vigorously with tarlatan cloth or newspaper to remove the ink from the surface, leaving it in the incisions. A damp piece of paper is placed on top, and the plate and paper are run through a printing press that, through pressure, transfers the ink to the paper.		[[intaglio (printmaking)\|Intaglio printing]] is a technique in which the image is incised into a surface. Normally, copper or zinc plates are used, and the incisions are created by [[etching]] or [[engraving]] the image, but one may also use [[mezzotint]]. In printing, the surface is covered in ink, and then rubbed vigorously with tarlatan cloth or newspaper to remove the ink from the surface, leaving it in the incisions. A damp piece of paper is placed on top, and the plate and paper are run through a printing press that, through pressure, transfers the ink to the paper.