Take note of banknote security features
The look, feel, and tilt method is used to inspect money.
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has responded to reports of counterfeit money being used on the South Coast recently by sharing information, to spread awareness of banknote security features.
When inspecting banknotes the look, feel, and tilt method should be adopted.
• Look – By holding a banknote up to the light, the following features can be observed:
The security thread is the shiny strip on the front of the banknote, which becomes a continuous solid line when held to the light. The words ‘SARB’, ‘Rand’, the denomination and the South African coat of arms should be visible. Also, the watermark is an embedded image of Nelson Mandela to the left of the front of the banknote and the denomination numeral.
• Feel – By lightly running your fingertips over the banknote, the following features can be observed:
On the front of the banknote, the portrait of Nelson Mandela and the words SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK will feel slightly raised or rough. Also note, the raised lines on the bottom left and right of the front of the banknote are aids for the visually impaired. The R10 has one line, the R20 two lines, the R50 three lines, the R100 four lines and the R200 five lines.
• Tilt – By tilting a banknote, the following features can be observed:
The metallic thread will reflect light and exhibit a slight colour shift. And the numerals on the bottom right of the banknote are printed with a colour-changing ink. The R10 and R20 banknotes exhibit a slight colour shift, whereas the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes appear to have a moving line.
Members of the public who come into possession of counterfeit banknotes and coins must immediately report it to their nearest police station.
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