How to detect Pre-1996 counterfeits?

Discussion in 'Paper Money' started by Magman, Jun 10, 2008.

  1. Magman

    Magman U.S. Money Collector

    Well, what are some ways?
    I asked the lady today (at training) I said "what about pre 1996 money?"


    She had no idea what I was talking about. So i gave a brief explanation, and she said "I dont know" lol
     
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  3. Hobo

    Hobo Squirrel Hater

    The simple answer is to look for everything BUT the security features introduced since 1996.
     
  4. Magman

    Magman U.S. Money Collector

    hmm, that IS a simple answer... doesnt help me too much though :)
     
  5. Daggarjon

    Daggarjon Supporter**

    the best ways .. either the security pen or the tactile feel. when you deal witha large amount of money on a daily basis, the fakes can usually be felt long before seen.
     
  6. clembo

    clembo A closed mind is no mind

    Absolutely right. After you've handled enough money you will most likely feel the difference. That's how I knew on a few occasions.
     
  7. bonas92

    bonas92 Member

    The pen doesn't work on anything pre-1960. On those bills, the green is a different shade. Like said in earlier posts, usually the feel of the bill gives it away. Sometimes if the ink is smeared, it is bad
     
  8. urbanchemist

    urbanchemist US/WORLD CURRENCY JUNKIE

    i go mostly by the feel of the bill and its apperance (ie looking for the red and blue fibers). working at bank and being a collector of currency definetly helps out.
     
  9. gatzdon

    gatzdon Numismatist


    Often the pen does not work on post 1960 either as high quality counterfeits are able to easily defeat the pen.

    As mentioned above, look for raised ink and red and blue fibers. Bill counters are still able to detect the magnetic bar code (if you can call it that) back to the 70's I believe. I know as the new bills roll out, some older counters are having the profile for least commonly used bills replaced (I believe the first one to go that I know of was the old style $50's).
     
  10. Magman

    Magman U.S. Money Collector

    alright thanks.
    I figured "Feel" would be the best way, but I wanted to make sure.
     
  11. wrucmike

    wrucmike Who's the Man?

    It's probably not feasible at a register, but if I recall, a counterfeit under UV light will glow bright white, while a legit bill won't glow. Under UV, a counterfeit glows like a sheet of white paper does.

    Is that correct?
     
  12. gatzdon

    gatzdon Numismatist

    Any counterfeit that glows white under a UV light would also be detected by the pen.

    Also, any genuine note that has gone through the washing machine would also glow white under UV and appear to be counterfeit to the pen.
     
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