Security features of the €20 banknote, first series Counterfeit detection

Reverse side
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Please touch the security features with the mouse.

Vorderseite einer 20-Euro-Banknote Auxiliary tool: infrared light (IR) Security thread  Auxiliary tool: ultraviolet light (UV) Microlettering Raised printing Watermark See Through Hologram Stripe
Auxiliary tool: infrared light (IR)
Auxiliary tool: infrared light (IR)

Using a infrared display unit, in the right third of the banknote parts of the motif can be seen, whereas the rest of the motif is merely visible

Security thread
Security thread

The security thread can be seen as a dark line in the middle third of the banknote. In the security thread 20 EURO in small letters and 20 in microletters, alternating in normal writing and mirror writing.

 Auxiliary tool: ultraviolet light (UV)
Auxiliary tool: ultraviolet light (UV)

The paper is dull, the European flag glows in yellow or green, the stars of the flag are orange. In the middle of the banknote, parts of the circle of stars and small circles glow red. Fibers embedded in the paper glow in green, red and blue. The watermark is not visible.

Microlettering
Microlettering

At several places of the banknote motif, there is microlettering, which looks pin sharp even under a magnifying glass.

Raised printing
Raised printing

The copyright line has a feelable raised printing. All Euro banknotes, irrespective of date of production, bear the year 2002.

Watermark
Watermark

When you hold the banknote against the light, the value numeral 20 in the watermark is brighter than the surrounding paper. There is no dark outline around the numeral. When you lay down the banknote on a dark surface, the value numeral 20 appears to be darker than the surrounding paper. This effect can be seen from the reverse side laterally reversed.

See Through
See Through

When you hold the banknote against the light, the incomplete lines of the front and reverse side add to the value numeral 20. This effect can be seen from the reverse side laterally reversed.

Hologram Stripe
Hologram Stripe

Depending on the viewing angle, the Euro symbol "€" and the value numeral 20 interchange. When you tilt the banknote, prismatic colours move upward and downward through the hologram stripe