How to Detect Counterfeit $100 Notes from Coinsblog.blogspot.com 08/2010 View the B.E.P.'s video podcast at the link above where it is embedded for viewing or on the multimedia page from the B.E.P.’s New Money website. The video has a run time of approximately 13 minutes. Other resources on currency security: Know Your Money from SecretService.gov
Great video, with good insight into the technology that goes into the new note. BUT (there's always a "but"), the note seems bereft of artistry. Recognizing the valid need to insert security features, I'm sorry to see that there was not equal effort put into the artistic elements of the note. It reminds me of the many housing subdivisions built in the 70's and 80's, that looked like garages with houses attached. The note has become a set of sophisticated security features, with minimal effort (budget?) invested in simple asthetics. By the way... the large "100" for the sight impaired is NOT one of my quibbles with the note. It acknowledges a legitimate need in modern society. I guess my comment would be more useful if I also had a practical solution to the problem. Sadly, that would require a "clean slate" approach to US note design, rather than the current " find a problem, add a feature" aproach that has cluttered recent designs. The current Euro has almost as many security features, but had the good fortune of starting with a clean slate only a few years ago. Better, but not perfect results, in my opinion.
I have expressed the following sentiment extensively (and recently) in other threads on the New $100 note (as well as for the other redesigns since '96/'04). In those comments I have repeatedly campaigned that one's perspective must also consider that responding merely to the visual superficial aspect of the notes is a misplaced understanding of notes. That 'security' and technology have always been a priority above aesthetics. Collectors dislike this but misunderstand what they find attractive about older notes are the very security features and labor that went into that aspect of the notes, which is unchanged in modern note design. Security engraving has always been a clutter of design elements but their sophistication and technological advancement over time has now delivered us notes expressive of the challenges and capabilities of the digital era. The 'decorative' aesthetic of the past was an expression of that era and one in which technology allowed flourished expression, some call artistry, but it was firstly done out of a need for security, not visual appeal. The visual appeal cloaked the security measures that were in front of ones eyes. A trick was that security engraving's evolution to combat counterfeits allowed heavier an heavier application of interlaced and complicated design but technological advancement made their very application unnecessary. Advancements in technology actually make decoration a deterrent to security. To continue to add those lacy designs would subvert practicality and easy identification of a counterfeit. In the modern streamlined (simplified) graphic approach we see today, as defined by computer aided design, much of the decorative element can (and has) been stripped away to reveal the raw security aspect of the notes. Modern design does not only incorporate decorative element for the sake of art and even though they may look plain they are chock full of security features, as ever they have been. It may be possible to point to examples where art, if placed above security, resulted in less secure notes or those difficult for the average user to spot a fake, thus endangering the security of the money. The simple, clean and open design of modern notes is deceptive and not necessarily cheaper to execute (re: lack of budget or artistic skill). In design reality, often the simpler something is, the more difficult it becomes to design that thing effectively while conveying all the design requirements. Note design is no different in this regard and the security features being more transparent are that much harder to counterfeit too. I am very much a supporter of the new notes design and its fit into the modern era. The new notes will take its place quickly, despite collectors balking at the superficial design aspect from the start, in the pages of numismatics and become an historic and collectible aspect of the hobby. :smile
Please don' t get me wrong krispy. I agree that the beautiful engraving of old was in fact the best secruity feature available at the time. It seems to me though, that currency expresses national sentiment as well as pure function. So I'm impressed by the old statements of US pride, just as I'm repulsed as some nations' living dictators put their own images on national currency - I'm thinking of 1970/80's Kenya, Libya, and MANY more. So yes, let the industry evolve to meet trade and commerce needs first, and collectors second. But the dollar image is as critical to a nation's image as their passport, flag, or the behaviour of their citizens abroad. I don't want to wade into political waters - there are other forms for that. I just see an opportunity to use currency as an expression of nationhood. The add-on approach on recent US notes seems to have bypassed that opportunity. OK, as a Canadian, I'll shut up now. My comments are aimed at the opportunity, not meant to be political. Even though I think I understand our cultural differences, I know they are way too subtle to ever completely understand. Good debate though......
Thanks for the link Krispy, that was fun to watch. I notice that one of their upcoming videos is called "the art of banknote design" which should be interesting too. Dave
@ Bob: I appreciate your comments and take on the US currency not being a US citizen. It's refreshing. Mine was not one of political reasoning, but one of aesthetics vs practicality and the idea many suggest is to blame that design/designers are bad or talentless, not as gifted or that budget was not given to artistry. My argument is that there has never been a change in this regard. Notes are as sophisticated in design and security as they ever were, and it takes more than a superficial reaction to the visual appeal to recognize this. Collectors are very good at scrutinizing the surface of things but often look past the real function of the device before them. I well come your input and comments openly Bob! I'm glad you shared them with me/us. :smile
Most definitely! And I think they were wise to separate the topics as I have been trying to suggest we too should do when discussing design and function of notes.
It's ugly and it's sad, and the ugliest part of it (the blue strip or "3-D Security Ribbon") is apparently the most necessary component. At least until next year when the North Koreans perfect that too. But did it have to be a strip? Couldn't they have made it some other shape, somehow consistent with the design of the note? http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57581614/former-counterfeiter-wouldnt-waste-my-time-on-new-$100-bill/ http://www.newmoney.gov/uscurrency/redesigned100.htm
Iam happy i do not care for paper money as a hobby Id be hard pressed to want to collect the newer coins and paper money that my kids will be faced to keep. Our bold dollars have become what looks to be money used in a third world. Liberty just dosent seem to carry the same meaning.
I watched the "art of banknote design" this morning (thanks for reviving this thread!). It was a bit disappointing. Not much talk of "art", mostly more discussion of security. Dave
