General
Press Releases
Press
Release December
23, 2002Counterfeit
Note Detection Equipment.
The
Central Bank of Barbados wishes to advise the public that it has
become aware of certain cases in which persons tendered genuine
banknotes to shops to complete transactions, but were unable to
do so because the currency was rejected by the retailer's
counterfeit detection equipment.
Accordingly,
the Central Bank reminds business houses not to rely exclusively
on these machines, but to become familiar with the main security
features of genuine banknotes.
Machines are not foolproof and periodically will give
false readings.
It
is therefore very important to train cashiers to identify the
main security features of genuine banknotes, so that they become
competent and can easily detect a counterfeit.
In
this regard, we wish to remind cashiers in particular and the
public in general that the special printing process used for
genuine banknotes makes the surface of the paper feel raised in
certain areas. It
is important to become familiar with this peculiar
"feel". In addition, they should ensure that there is
also the valid watermark, security thread and other prominent
features.
Watermark
The
watermark depicts an outline of the island of Barbados, which is
on the left front of the note.
It can be viewed by holding up the banknote to the light.
Security
Thread
Each
note contains a security thread to the left of the centre of the
note. The thread is
seen when viewed against the light.
In the more recently produced notes, the thread carries
the text CBB$20, CBB$50 and CBB$100 according to the
denomination.
Intaglio
over foil
In the $50 and $100 notes there is also an Intaglio over foil
feature. The foil
is found on the right-hand side of each note, in the shape of an
aquamarine pelican on the $50 note and a gold dolphin on the
$100. On both
denominations the image of the Pride of Barbados flower is
printed over the foil. This feature is highly reflective on
genuine notes, but appears flat and dull on counterfeits.
The
Bank takes this opportunity to wish everyone a safe, blessed and
enjoyable Xmas and prosperity in the New Year.
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