COUNTERFEIT DETECTION

Compiled by:
JAYSON R. FELIX, R.C., MS CRIM.

Topics:

1. Characteristics of Genuine BSP Banknotes

2. Steps in Recognizing Genuine BSP Banknotes
3. How to Detect Counterfeit BSP Banknotes
4. Existing Legal Tender Notes

Characteristics of Genuine BSP Banknotes

1. PAPER – The GENUINE note is printed on a special kind of paper which is rough and
does not glow under the ultra-violet light. During paper manufacture, the watermark,
security fibers, security threads and iridescent band are included.

2. WATERMARK – the silhouette of the portrait of the portrait appearing on the face of the
note. Sharp details of the light and shadow effect can be seen when the note is viewed against the
light.

3. SECURITY FIBERS – are embedded red and blue visible fibers scattered at random on both
surfaces of a genuine note and can be readily picked off by means of any pointed instrument.

4. EMBEDDED SECURITY THREAD – is a special thread vertically implanted off center of

the note during paper manufacture. It appears as broken line for 5’s, 10’s and 20’s and straight
line for 50’s,100’s,200’s,500’s and 1000’s and can be easily seen when the note is viewed
against the light.

1
5. WINDOWED SECURITY THREAD – is a narrow security thread vertically located like
“stitches” at the face of the note with clear text of the numerical value in repeated sequence and
changes in color from magenta to green or green to magenta depending on the angle of view.
This can be viewed on the improved version of 100’s, 500’s and 1000 and the new 200 notes.

6. IRIDESCENT BAND – a wide glistening gold vertical stripe with numerical value printed in
series. Can be found on the improved version of 100’s, 500’s, 1000’s and 200’s notes.

7. PORTRAIT – appears life-like. The eyes “sparkle”. Formed by fine lines that give the portrait
a facial expression which is difficult to replicate.

8. SERIAL NUMBER – composed of 1 or 2 prefix letters and 6 or 7 digits. A banknote with six
“0” digit serial number is a specimen note and not a legal tender note.

9. BACKGROUND/LACEWORK DESIGN – the background designs are made up of multi

colored and well defined lines.

10. VIGNETTE – the lines and dashes that are fine, distinct and sharp, the varying color tone
which gives a vivid look to the picture that makes it “stand out” of the paper.

11. VALUE PANEL – the numerals that denote the denomination of the note found at the four
corners of the front and back of note.

12. COLOR – predominant color of each denomination

1000 peso - Blue 50-peso - Red

500 peso - Yellow 20-peso - Orange

200-peso - Green 10-peso -Brown

100-peso - Mauve 5-peso - Green

N.B.

The BSP has stopped printing these banknotes and are being replaced by coins; however, the
existing 10 and 5 peso notes remain legal tender.

13. FLUORESCENT PRINTING – the invisible numerical value located off center of the face of
the note that glows when exposed to ultraviolet light .

14. MICROPRINTING – are the minute and finely printed words “Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas”
or” Central Bank of the Philippines” located at the face or back of the note that are clearly
printed and readable.

2
15. CONCEALED VALUE – is located at the lower left corner of the face of the note and is
recognizable when the note is held at eye level.

16. OPTICALLY VARIABLE INK – changes color from green to blue or blue to green when
the note is held at different angles and can be found on 1000-piso denomination

STEPS IN RECOGNIZING GENUINE BSP NOTES

STUDY and FAMILIARIZE yourself with the characteristics, designs and distinct features of
BSP banknotes by following this steps:

1. Feel the paper by running your fingers through it .The genuine note is printed on a special
paper which is rough when you run your fingers through it.

2. Examine the watermark on the unprinted portion of the note. The contours of the features of
the silhouette can be felt by running the fingers over the design.

3. Inspect the security fibers – presence of the4 red and blue security fibers.

4. View the embedded security thread – this can be seen when the note is viewed against the
light.

5. View the windowed security thread on the improved version of 100’s, 500’s, and 1000-peso
notes and the new 200-peso notes.

6. Look for the iridescent band on the improved version of 100’s, 500’s 1000-peso notes and the
new 200-peso notes.

7. Recognize the portrait –each denomination has its own hero portrait.

8.Check the serial number – the letters and numerals are uniform in size and thickness, evenly
spaced and well-aligned; and glow under the ultra-violet light.

9. Scan the background/lacework design – The lacework designs are composed of web-
crisscrossing lines which are continuous and traceable even at the intersection.

10. Verify the vignette – The illustrations or pictures are distinct and sharp

11. Check the numerals found at the four corners of the front and back of the note

12. Recognize the predominant color of each denomination.

13. Look for the presence of the fluorescent print when the note is exposed under the ultra violet
light.

3
14. Verify under the lens the presence of the micro printing on the denominations 50, 100, 200,
500 and 1000

15. Check the concealed value on the 500-peso denomination by holding the note at eye level.

16. Check the optically variable ink on the 1000-peso denomination by holding the note at
different angles.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GENUINE AND COUNTERFEIT PAPER NOTE/BILL

GENUINE COUNTERFEIT

A. MAIN PRINT

Distinctive feel & embossed effect Generally smooth

1. The fingers will readily feel the the main print 1. The fingers will hardly feel the main prints of
on the front & back on fairly new notes. the front & back even on new notes.
2. This is due to the measurable thickness of the 2. This is brought about by offset print the most
ink deposited on the paper which gives the common process employed by counterfeiters
prints an embossed effect. 3. The prints are mere stains on the coating of the
sensitized paper which is glossy.

B. PORTRAIT

1. Appears life-like 1. It appears dead.

2. The eyes sparkle. 2. The eyes do not sparkle.
3. The tiny dots and lines (Vignette) forming 3. It appears blurred, dull, smudgy and poorly
the details of the face, hair, etc. are clear, printed.
sharp and well defined. 4. Hair is lifeless.
4. Each portrait stands out distinctly from 5. The face and/or forehead are often naturally
background. This is noticeable along the white or pale due to absence of most of the
shoulders. details.
5. The background is composed of multi- 6. The concentric lines depicting the eyes often
colored fine pattern of lines in varying tones merged into solid printed areas.
and shades interlacing with each other. These 7. The background often blends with the portrait
shadings or toning are intricately printed in and is usually “scratchy.”
such a way that the contrast or shifting of 8. The lines are thick with rough edges.
colors creates the impression of life & 9. The multi-colored prints on genuine notes are
vividness to the notes. extremely difficult to duplicate and as a result,
counterfeit notes are usually off-color & not of
the right shade or tone.

C. WATERMARK

4
 1. The watermark underneath the security 1. This is imitated by printing white ink or dry
lacework on the right hand side of the note is block on the finished paper.
the same on the colored portrait.
2. The design is placed by means of dandy roll 2. Sometimes wax or other oily medium is
during the manufacture of the paper. stamped to give transparency to the portion
where the designing appears.
3. Sharp details of the outline or the light & 3. Printed outline is placed on the inner sheet
shadow effect are discernible when viewed where merely a paper cutout is placed inside.
with the aid of transmitted light. As a result course or harsh and occasional
4. The relif of the features can be felt by irregular lines & sometimes opaque areas are
running the finger on the design. very obvious.

D. METTALIC THREAD

1. This is a special thread placed vertically on 1. Counterfeit by means of printing on the back
the paper during manufacture. of the note, on the inner side of the paper,
2. On the surface of the paper where this thread insertion of twin thread or simply folding the
is located are patterns of short vertical lines. note vertically where the thread appears on the
genuine bill.

E. COLORED FIBERS OR SECURITY FIBERS

1. These fibers are scattered on the surface of On counterfeit, this is simulated by printed
the paper (front & back) at random & can be lines, cannot be picked off, but can be easily
readily picked off by means of any pointed erased with ordinary rubber or by agitating with
instrument.
wet fingers.
2. The colors of these fibers are red & blue.

F. LACEWORK DESIGN

The geometric pattern which looks like a On counterfeit, these geometric patterns are
delicate lacework along the border on both often blurred, round on the edges & blotch on the
surfaces, embellishing the portraits, value panel joints. Its continuity could not be traced. The color
& vignettes are multicolored & composed of appears faded.
harp lines which are continuous & traceable even
at the joints.

G. COLOR OF EACH DENOMINATION

5
 Genuine notes have polychrome background with one predominant color for each
denomination. You should know whose portrait is/are printed on each bill.

PhP 1,000.00 - Blue- Jose Abad Santos, Josefa Llanes Escoda, Vicente Lim

500.00 - Yellow- Benigno S. Aquino

200.00 - Green (Dark in one side and light in another side)

100.00 - Mauve - Manuel A. Roxas

50.00 - Red - Sergio Osmena

20.00 - Orange- Manuel L. Quezon

10.00 - Brown - Apolinario Mabini & Andres Bonifacio

5.00 - Green - Emilio Aguinaldo

H. SERIAL NUMBERS

1. The prefix letter/s & numbers (Six of them 1. On counterfeit, the letters & numbers are
except on replacement note) are clearly poorly printed. They are usually of different
printed. style.
2. They have peculiar style & are uniform in 2. Most often, they are evenly spaced & poorly
size & thickness. aligned.
3. Spacing of the numbers is uniform & 3. The numbers are too big or too small, too
alignment is even. thick or too thin & in certain cases shaded on
the curves.

I. VIGNETTE

1. The lines & dots composing the vignettes are 1. On counterfeit usually dull & poorly printed.
fine, distinct & sharp.
2. The varying color tone gives a bold look to 2. It appears dirty.
the picture that makes it stands out of the 3. The lines are comparatively thicker with
paper. rough edges.
4. There is no variation in color tone so that the
picture appears flat.

J. CLEARNESS OF PRINT

6
 The registry of the different printed features In general, a spurious not exhibits a Second
is perfect. The lines are very clear & sharp. hand look. It is dirty due to the sputtering of ink on
There are no Burrs clinging to the sides. the interior area. Over-inked areas are visible
instantly. The shadings & ornamentations of the
letters & figures are thick & usually merged.

H. PAPER

Paper - the note is made up of paper which rough It is made up of ordinary bond paper
to the touch that does not react under the ultraviolet which usually reacts under an ultraviolet
light. During its manufacture, watermark, security light
fibers and security thread are incorporated.

(RETRIEVED FROM SEMINAR CONDUCTED BY: MELY F SORRA, PH. D.CHIEF, Q. D. E. D. PNP,
CRIME LABORATORY)

THE NEW GENERATION PHILIPPINE BANKNOTES

So what’s new with these banknotes?

* More realistic portraits of former Philippine presidents and heroes

* Tourist destinations and notable animals found in the country on the reverse
* More realistic portraits of former Philippine presidents and heroes

* Tourist destinations and notable animals found in the country on the reverse

-Security features are spruced most noticeably the serial numbers which some might find
weird and the security thread which is wider. A foil-like optically variable device is found in
the new 500 and 1,000 peso bill.

* The paper used is “hygienically treated” or has anti-bacterial properties.

What’s the same?

* Color schemes were maintained except for the 20 peso bill which I think has
a different tone of orange.
* The size of all banknotes appear to have been maintained.
* The same paper made of abaca-cotton. The BSP considered plastic/polymer before but they
might have foreseen some problems with the especially with the way Filipinos crumples,
fold, crease, and roll money.

THE NEW GENERATION PHILIPPINE BANKNOTES

7
20 Peso Banknote

8
7. SECURITY THREAD

A stitch like metallic thread running vertically across the note changes color from red to
green. The front of the thread bears the alphanumeric “BSP100” and “BSP200” in cleartext
while the back is in printed with BSP both in repeated series.

9
 8. OPTICALLY VARIABLE DEVICE

A reflective foil that bears the image of the Blue- naped Parrot and a small BSP Logo.
The color of the parrot changes from red to green when the note is rotated at 90°

8.OPTICALLY VARIABLE DEVICE

A reflective foil that bears the image of the South Sea Pearl Parrot and a small BSP Logo. The
color of the parrot changes from red to green when the note is rotated at 90°

9. OPTICALLY VARIABLE INK

Embossed “1000” denominational value at the lower right corner of the face of the note changes
color from green to blue when viewed at different angles.

STEPS IN RECOGNIZING GENUINE BSP NOTES

Feel the paper – The genuine note is printed on a special kind of paper which is rough when
you run your fingers thru it. It does not glow under the ultra-violet light. During paper
manufacture, the watermark, security fibers, security threads are included.

• Examine the watermark on the unprinted portion of the note

* The watermark is the silhouette of the portrait appearing on the face of the note.
Sharp details of the light and shadow effect can be seen when the note is viewed

10
against the light. The contours of the features of the silhouette can be felt by running the
fingers over the design on relatively new notes.

Inspect the security fibers – Embedded red and blue visible fibers are scattered at random on
both surfaces of a genuine note and can be readily picked off by means of any pointed
instrument.

WINDOWED SECURITY THREAD

View the windowed security thread it is wider, vertically located like “stitches” at the face of
the note with cleartext of the alphanumerical value in repeated sequence. These can be seen in
100’s, 200’s, 500’s and 1000 ‘s notes.

Recognize the portrait – Appears life-like. The years “sparkle” Shadings are formed by the fine
lines that gives the portrait a characteristic facial expression which is extremely difficult to
replicate.

Check the serial number – Composed of 1 or 2 prefix letters and 6 or 7 asymmetric digits located
at the lower left and upper right corner of the face of the note, and glow under the ultra violet
light. A banknote with 6 “0” serial number is a specimen note and not legal tender note .

BACKGROUND/LACEWORK DESIGN

Scan the background/lacework design

- The background designs are made up of multicolored and well defined lines. The lacework
designs are composed of web-crisscrossing lines which are continuous and traceable even at the
intersection.

VIGNETTE

Verify the vignette – The lines and dashes composing the vignette are fine, distinct and sharp, the
varying color tone gives a vivid look to the picture that makes it “stand out” of the paper.

VALUE PANEL

* Check the numerals found at the side in front and back of the note. The numerals
denote the denomination of the note.

COLOR
Recognize predominant color of each denomination:

1000 – Blue
50 - Red
500 - Yellow
20 - Orange

11
200 - Green
100 - Mauve

FLOURESCENT PRINTING

Look for the presence of the fluorescent print when the note is exposed under the ultra
violet light – The fluorescent print is the invisible numerical value located off center of the
face of the note that glows when exposed to ultraviolet light.

MICROPRINTING

* Verify under the lens the presence of the microprint “Alpha Numeric” (Letters
and Denomination of the bill) continuously printed at the foot of the word “REPUBLIKA
NG PILIPINAS” clearly printed and readable.

CONCEALED VALUE

* Check the concealed value on the 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, piso denominational value
superimposed on the smaller version portrait at the upper left side of the note that becomes
obvious when the note is rotated 45 degrees and tilted down.

OPTICALLY VARIABLE INK

Check the optically variable ink on the 1000-piso denomination it changes color from green to
blue or blue to green when the note is held at different angles.

OPTICALLY VARIABLE DEVICE

A reflective foil that bears the image of the Blue- naped Parrot and a small BSP Logo. The color
of the parrot changes from red to green when the note is rotated at 90°

12
 RECOGNIZING GENUINE FROM COUNTERFEIT PESO NOTE

GENUINE COUNTERFEIT
1. PAPER
* Made up of Special kind of paper which is Made up of ordinary paper which usually
rough to the touch reacts under the Ultraviolet light
* Does not react to the Ultraviolet light
* Watermark/Security fibers and Security
Thread are incorporated during its
manufacture

2. WATERMARK
* Watermark located on the unprinted -Imitation of the portrait is done on the
portion of the note is the Silhouette of finished paper
the portrait appearing on the face of * Wax or other oily medium is stamped to give
the note transparency to the portion where the
* Shadow effects are discernible when design appears
viewed with the aid of a transmitted
light
* Relief of the features can be felt by
running the fingers on the design

3. PRINTING
* Generally, the registry of the different printed * Most of the time, a spurious note exhibits a
features is perfect. The fingers can “second hand” look which is caused by the
readily feel the main prints on the front and spattering of the ink in the interior areas. The
back of fairly new notes brought about by the shadings and ornamentations of the letters
measurable thickness of the ink deposited on usually merge due to the thickness of the line.
the paper which gives the print an embossed The finished counterfeit note is definitely
effects. The lines are perfectly clean and smooth to the touch as a result of offset
sharp without smudges. printing which is commonly used by
counterfeiters.

4. PORTRAIT
* Appears life-like * Appears “Dead” , dull, smudgy and poorly
* The eyes “Sparkle” printed
* Shadings are formed by fine lines that gives * Eyes do not sparkle
a characteristics facial expression which is * The concentric lines depicting the eyes often
extremely difficult to replicate. merge into solid printed areas. The hair strands
are not discernible.

13
5. SERIAL NUMBER
* Prefix(es) and numbers (normally 6 or 7 * Letters are numbers are poorly printed
digits) are clearly printed * Usually of different style
* Have a peculiar size and asymmetric * Not evenly spaced and are poorly aligned,
digits , uniform size and thickness either too big or too thin and in certain cases
* Ink used is special that fluoresces under the shaded on the curves
ultraviolet light. * No fluorescent reaction under the ultraviolet
light.

6. BACKGRAOUND/LACEWORK DESIGN
* Background designs are multicolored and are * Background designs are often blurred and
composed of sharp lines which are continuous blotched on the intersections resulting in a
and traceable even at the joints. different color scheme making the general
* Lacework designs are fine, weblike criss- appearance pale or dark.
crossing lines which are continuous and
traceable even at the joints.

7. VIGNETTE
* Lines and dots composing vignette are fine, * Usually dull and poorly printed
distinct and sharp * Appears dirty
* Varying color tone gives a “Bold * Lines are comparatively thicker with rough
Look” to the picture that makes it “Stands edges
Out” of the paper. * No variation in color tone so that the
picture appears flat.

8. COLOR
* Have a polychrome background with one * spattering of white spot caused by non-
predominant color for each denomination registry or breaks of the background tint. Most
often, counterfeit notes lack the vividness of
1000 peso - Blue 100 peso - Mauve color inherent in genuine bills.
500 peso - Yellow 50 peso - Red
200 peso - Green 20 peso - Orange

14
9. SPECIAL FEATURES

a) FLUORESCENT PRINT

* Also called invisible print, the fluorescent *Imitated by using a yellow-orange ink which
print is one feature that appears at the center of is visible even under normal condition.
* the face of the note which is not seen by the
naked eye except by the use of ultraviolet light.

b) MICROPRINT
* These are “Alpha Numeric “ (Letters and * The Alpha Numeric letter and denomination
Denomination of the bill) continuously printed printed at the foot of the word “REPUBLIKA
at the foot of the word “REPUBLIKA NG NG PILIPINAS” are not clearly printed and
PILIPINAS’ clearly printed and readable. not readable.

c) LATENT IMAGE /CONCEALED VALUE

* Located at the upper left side of the note in • Usually contain this feature, if ever the
all denominations (at the face) superimposed denomination/figure is not
on the smaller version of portrait recognizable as the genuine, even when
* Recognizable when the note is rotated at held in the same manner.
45degrees and tilted down.

d) OPTICALLY VARIABLE INK

* Special characteristic of the 500 and 1000 • No changed of color or does not
denominations changes color from red to vary.
green for the 500 and green to blue for the
1000 when the note is held at
different angles.

IF YOU SUSPECT A COUNTERFEIT NOTE

• Do not return it to the passer.

• Delay the passer by some excuse, if possible, without risking harm.
• Observe and record the passer’s appearance and that of his/her companion/s.
• Note the license plate number and make of the passer’s car.
• Place the note in a protective envelope.
• In case you get hold of a doubtful note, please contact the Philippine National Police and
the Cash Department, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for assistance (RETRIVED FROM
SEMINAR CONDUCTED BY: ROSARIO C. PEREZ , Questioned Document Examiner )

15
What are the crimes under counterfeiting coins? They are:

1. Making and importing and uttering false coins (Art. 163);

2. Mutilation of coins – importation and utterance of mutilated coins (Art. 164); and
3. Selling of false or mutilated coin, without connivance (Art. 165).

WHEN IS A COIN FALSE OR COUNTERFEITED?

A coin is false or counterfeited, if it is forged or if it is not authorized by the Government as legal

tender, regardless of its intrinsic value.

Counterfeiting means the imitation of a legal or genuine coin. It may contain more silver than the
ordinary coin. There is counterfeiting when a spurious coin is made. There must be an imitation
of the peculiar design of a genuine coin.

DEFINITION

1. “Import,” means to bring them into port. The importation is complete before entry at
the Customs House. (U.S. vs. Lyman, 26 Fed. Cas. 1024)

2. “Utter,” means to pass counterfeited coins. It includes their delivery or the act of
giving them away. A counterfeited coin is uttered when it is paid, when the offender is
caught counting the counterfeited coins preparatory to the act of delivering them, even
though the utterer may not obtain the gain he intended.

3. “Mutilation” means to take off part of the metal either by filing it or substituting it for
another metal of inferior quality.

N.B. – The coin mutilated must be genuine and has not been withdrawn from
circulation. The coin must be of the legal currency or current coins of the Philippines.
Therefore, if the coin mutilated is legal tender of a foreign country, it is not a crime of
mutilation under the Revised Penal code.

16