How to Detect Counterfeit US Money (part 1)

The U.S. government estimates that less than 1/100 of 1 percent of U.S. paper currency in circulation is counterfeit. Considering recent advances in printing technology and the obviously vast incentive to counterfeit bills, that's a pretty small number. In part, that's because the U.S. Secret Service thoroughly investigates all reported counterfeiting cases, and because there are harsh criminal penalties for counterfeiting or passing fake bills. Perhaps more than anything, though, counterfeiting is difficult because of the bills' security features, which are hard to reproduce but easy to use to verify your money's authenticity.

STEP:

1. Feel the texture of the bill. Most people who handle money a lot (e.g. cashiers) can identify a lower-quality fake bill instantly just by touching it. You may not have that much experience, but just about everybody has handled enough money that they can detect many counterfeits simply by feeling the texture--and paying attention (the paper bank notes are printed on is not sold commercially, furthermore the composition of the paper and ink is confidential). Genuine currency has slightly raised ink that's produced in the intaglio printing process. You should be able to feel the texture of this ink, especially if you're handling a crisp, new bill.

The paper that money is printed on has changed little since the implementation of cotton rag. While money rag now has colored filaments, the traditional feel of money was intentionally left unchanged over the decades, because of its distinctive feel. The feel of a bill made fifty years ago should feel similar to a brand new bill.

2. Compare the bill with another of the same denomination and series. If the bill feels all right, or if you're a little suspicious but unsure, hold the bill side-by-side with another bill. Different denominations, obviously, look different, so get a note of the same amount. Also, all denominations except the $1 and $2 bills have been redesigned at least once since 1990, so it's best to compare the suspect bill to one in the same series (date).

will be continue.....