The Euro is the national currency in nineteen European countries and has thirteen billion paper notes in circulation.It should be no surprise that counterfeiting is a problem with the Euros.The vast majority of fake Euros can be detected if you know how to check the advanced security features of each bill.
Step 1: Proper styles and colors can be identified.
The Euro bills come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500.If you are given a 15 note, reject it immediately.The Euro denominations have a standard color and image style.There are distinct styles of architectural imagery from different periods of European history.The back of each bill has a map of Europe along with a window, door, or gate.Classical architecture is featured on five Euro bills.Romanesque architecture is featured on ten euro bills.Gothic architecture is featured on twenty euro bills and they are mostly blue in color.The fifty euro bills are mostly orange in color.The Euro bills are mostly green in color.The Euro bills are mostly yellow-brown in color and feature iron and glass architecture.The Euro bills are mostly purple in color.
Step 2: Take the bills.
Euro bills are different sizes than the U.S. currency.It is mostly done for the benefit of the visually-impaired.120 x 62 x 10 is 127 x 67 x 20 and it's 133 x 72 x 50.
Step 3: The paper is distinctive and you can feel it.
Euros are made of cotton and have a distinctive feel.Real Euros should feel firm and crisp, and the print should be raised in places where the ink is thicker.The raised print texture of fake Euros makes them feel limp and waxy to the touch.The Euro bill is more difficult to distinguish because it is older and more worn.An experienced handler of Euros can tell the difference.
Step 4: Look out for the series.
A new series of Euro bills has been rolling out by the European Central Bank over the past few years.Some of the major security enhancements involve imagery of a Greek mythological figure.A portrait of a female is visible when the bill is held up to light.When the bill is tilted, the hologram image of Europa in the silver security stripe becomes visible.
Step 5: The watermark is something to watch for.
When the bill is held up to light, the watermark image becomes visible.The bill has an architectural image.It is on the left side of the bill.The watermark is created by a variation in the paper thickness.There will be smooth transitions between the light and dark elements of the image when held up to light.The paper of fake Euros has a watermark printed on it.There are sharp light-dark transitions when the image is held up to light.
Step 6: The hologram is handled.
All Euros have a hologram image.It can either be a vertical stripe or a rectangular one on the right side of the bill.Changes in the image can be seen when you tilt the bill in relation to your eyes.The hologram will change when the Euros are tilted.The image varies by series and denominations.When the bill is tilted, the image of the fake Euros remains static.
Step 7: The security thread needs to be studied.
There is a security thread in the center- left area of the bill.The thread is embedded in the bill.When held up to light, the security stripe on real Euros is a very dark stripe.The number denominations and the word "EURO" can be seen in tiny but clear lettering.The security stripe on a fake Euros is usually a black line.It does not appear dark when held up to light, and usually has micro-printing that is blurry or notexistent.
Step 8: Look for color changes.
Euros use holograms and color-changing elements when bills are tilted.There is a numeral value on the back of the bill.Only denominations of fifty Euros and above use this technology.When tilted, the denominations on the back of a real Euro will change from purple to green or brown.The numeral remains purple when tilted, because most fake Euros don't have this effect.
Step 9: The printing is small.
Micro-printing that is not legible to the naked eye but is clear under magnification requires sophisticated printing techniques that are beyond the ability of most counterfeiters.Micro-printing elements are used in Euro bills.They can be found in the word "EURO" or the star decals.Micro-printing on legitimate Euros will look like a thin line to the naked eye.Clear print can be seen with the aid of a magnifying glass.Micro-printing has a running repetition of the bill's number.Micro-printing is blurry under magnification on fake Euros.A good magnifying glass can be used to see fake bills.
Step 10: The properties of the sun and the moon are revealed.
Many of the key security features can be seen if you hold Euros up to standard light sources.Special features are revealed by using ultraviolet or IR technology.Real Euros don'tglow under UV light.Areas of coloring that vary by denominations are caused by the fibers embedded in the bill.There are three colors under the UV light.Only the far right side of the printing on the front of a real Euro will be visible in the dark.Under UV light, fake Euros emit a bright glow and reveal the fake watermark and security thread as dark lines.The text and images of fake Euros are usually invisible.