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For a long time now Australia has had one of the lowest counterfeiting rates in the
world. One of the reasons for this is the different
security features that we have on our banknotes, which make it harder for a counterfeiter to
copy them. But even the best security feature won't work
if it isn't checked. Here's one easy and effective test you can
do. Most counterfeits in Australia are printed
on paper, not plastic. This means they will tear easily compared
to our genuine banknotes. Also, our genuine banknotes don't crumple
the same way paper counterfeits will. But there are other important checks you can
do too. Another really easy test is to look at the
clear windows in our banknotes. First, make sure that the window doesn't look
like it's been stuck on, or joined on. In a genuine banknote the window is continuous
with the rest of the note. Second, look to see if the window is a bit
cloudy. On a genuine banknote the window should be
clear. On all of our banknotes there is also a white
image incorporated into the clear window. On the genuine $50 banknote the image is the
Southern Cross. The stars of the Southern Cross will always
be clearly printed, with four seven-pointed stars and a single, smaller five-pointed star.
Make sure that you can't easily rub the white image off.
Here's another interesting feature. Diamond-shaped patterns printed on each side
of the banknote, should combine perfectly to form a seven-pointed star, inside a circle.
You can see this when you hold the banknote up to the light.
And, while you're there, you can also see the shadow image of the Australian Coat of
Arms. Australia's banknotes also include raised
printing, called intaglio print Rub your finger over the portrait and over
the numeral and you'll feel the texture. Our banknotes also contain micro-printing,
which is very small text that most of us need a magnifying glass to read.
And you can see that the serial numbers on our banknotes glow under ultraviolet light.
Some banknotes don't have the name printed under the portrait but this doesn't mean that
they're counterfeit. The names were added to Australian banknotes
from 2002 to help the public identify the people on them.
So you'll see genuine banknotes in circulation with names printed under the portrait, and
some without. Another feature of our banknotes is that you
can tell which year they were printed. The first two numerals of the serial number,
for example 99, means the banknote was printed in 1999… 03 means the banknote was printed
in 2003. So with this information you should be able
to quickly and easily tell the difference between a real banknote and a counterfeit.
But if you do have a counterfeit, here's what to do.
First, handle the suspect counterfeit as little as possible and store it in an envelope – because
it may be needed by the police for evidence. Also record as much relevant information as
you can, such as how it came into your possession. You should also report the matter directly
to the police! But under no circumstances should you do anything
that may jeopardise your safety or the safety of others.
So there it is! Now you know how to check whether you have a counterfeit, and what you
should do if you think you have one. If you want more information about Australia's
banknotes, visit the Reserve Bank's website or give us a call.