Security features of the €50 banknote, first series Counterfeit detection

Front side
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Rückseite einer 50-Euro-Banknote Optical Variable Ink (OVI) See Through Watermark Microlettering Security thread Auxiliary tool infrared light (IR) Auxiliary tool ultraviolet light (UV)
Optical Variable Ink (OVI)
Optical Variable Ink (OVI)

Depending on the viewing angle, the colour of the 50 in the lower right corner on the reverse side changes from magenta to dark green. It is important to note that this is not just an effect of brightness, but a real colour change.

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 50 in mirror writing. This effect can be seen from the front side in normal writing.

Watermark
Watermark

When you hold the banknote against the light, the value numeral 50 in mirror writing 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 "50" appears to be darker than the surrounding paper. This effect can be seen from the front side laterally reversed.

Microlettering
Microlettering

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

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 50 EURO in small letters and "50" in microletters, alternating in normal writing and mirror writing.

Auxiliary tool infrared light (IR)
Auxiliary tool infrared light (IR)

Using a IR display unit, the banknote number in the upper right part of the banknote can be read. The rest of the motif nearly is invisible.

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

The paper is dull, the map, the bridge and further elements glow green or yellow. Fibers embedded in the paper glow in green, red and blue. The watermark is not visible.