How To Detect Fake Peso Currency

[Dave Hounddriver]

Below is a list of how to know if a peso note is real or fake. The new peso notes are known as NGC (New Generation Currency) so when viewing the images look for the NGC.

 

Source,  http://www.bsp.gov.ph/downloads/Publications/FAQs/BS10_a2.pdf

Source,  http://www.bsp.gov.ph/bspnotes/sec_features/sec_features.asp

 

The new features of the NGC notes were designed such that ordinary cash

handlers can easily recognize the authenticity of each denomination while at

the same time making it difficult and expensive for counterfeiters to imitate.

For greater protection, the NGC notes were provided with four layers of security

features:

Level I: Security features which can be easily recognized by the public without

the use of special instruments. These are the “look,” “feel,” and “tilt” elements

in the notes, enumerated below. Figure 2 provides an illustration of level 1

security features.

 

1. Embossed prints: The embossed or raised print nature of the ink deposition

combined with the quality of cotton-based paper gives the traditional

banknote a unique tactile effect that makes it the first and the most important

line of defense against counterfeiting. This can be felt over the words

“REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS,” denominational value in text, signatures, and

value panels particularly, the one located at the lower right corner of the

obverse.

 

2. Asymmetric Serial Number: Alphanumeric characters at the lower left

and upper right corners of the note bearing one or two prefix letters and

six to seven digits, with font increasing in size and thickness.

 

3. Security Fibers: Visible red and blue fibers embedded on the paper and

randomly scattered on the face and back of the note.

 

4. Watermark: Shadow image of the portrait with the highlighted denominational

value that is particularly seen against the light from either side

of the blank space on the note.

 

5. See-Through Mark: The pre-Hispanic script (Baybayin) at the lower right

corner of the face of the note slightly above the value panel. This is seen

in complete form only when the note is viewed against the light. This script

means “PILIPINO.”

 

6. Concealed Value: The denominational value superimposed at the smaller

version portrait at the upper left portion of the note. This becomes clearly

visible when the note is rotated 45 degrees and slightly tilted.

 

7. Security Thread (Embedded or Windowed): Embedded thread that runs

vertically across the width of 20- and 50- piso notes when viewed against

the light. Also, the stitch-like metallic thread on the 100-, 200-, 500- and

1000-piso notes which changes color from red to green and bears the

cleartext of “BSP” and the denominational value on the obverse and

“BSP” on the reverse, both in repeated series.

 

8. Optically Variable Device (OVD) Patch: Found only in 500- and 1000-piso

notes, this patch is a reflective foil, bearing the image of the Blue-naped

parrot for 500-piso/clam with South Sea pearl for 1000-piso, changes

color from red to green when the note is rotated 90 degrees.

 

9. Optically Variable Ink (OVI): Found only in the 1000-piso note, this embossed

denominational value at the lower right corner of the face of the

note changes color from green to blue when viewed at different angles. 

 

 

   

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

     

[Dave Hounddriver]

I was prompted to look into this topic when I reached into my wallet and noticed a 20 peso note just did not 'feel' right.  When I looked at all the ways to tell if it was real I became convinced that it is the type of paper that has changed.  Perhaps others will notice a change to the general 'feel' of the peso notes these days.  It will make it harder to detect fakes by the way they feel but the security measures I see in place are all very good.  Lets face it, a counterfeiter could not make a fake 20 peso note for less than 20 pesos if it passes all these security measures.