Forgery is almost as old as money and its precursors. The history of forgery makes interesting reading, but is too extensive to be covered here. A few points are worth making, because they bear on modern banknote production:
Any original can be forged provided that the expertise, raw materials and equipment are obtainable.
Responsible banknote producers therefore take pains to use materials and techniques that are not generally available in the paper and printing industries and that present as many obstacles as possible to would-be counterfeiters.
Technical progress, especially in reproduction and copying technology, puts banknote manufactures under pressure to keep ahead of counterfeiters. It may be necessary to introduce upgrades, with more sophisticated security features, during the life span of a series.
Responsible banknote printers continually refine security features and make their innovative products available to central banks for selective use.
Growing importance is attached to educating the general public on the security elements used and the simple but conclusive authentication tests that all users can carry out.
Source: René Sedillot: Muscheln, Münzen und Papier
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