Fun Notes: Part II
Technological, Security and Design Advancements with the new generation of Fun Notes
It is common knowledge that real banknotes incorporate the latest anti-counterfeiting technology. What is not as well known is that the new generation of fun notes also incorporate these new features including:
-
overt and covert UV security features
-
top quality paper and/or polymer material.
The distinction of printing between fun notes and real banknotes is virtually impossible to discriminate in quality. In the bad old days, fun notes were usually printed uniface (back was blank) at print shops. The quality of the paper and ink was typically poor, which was unfortunate because the designs and vignettes had artistic merit. The difference in quality between real currency and fun notes was quite noticeable.
This has changed significantly with the new generation of fun notes which include some of the most up to date technology.
For example, this fun note features window technology and high quality polymer paper comparable to some of recently issued real banknotes including the Australian 10 Dollar note (2017) and the new British Fiver (2016 Banknote of the Year Nominee).
Available at robertsworldmoney.com
Many new fun notes also carry “covert” security features, which are only visible under ultraviolet light. A great example of this is the amazing UV security feature on the German East Africa fun note.
Covert UV Security feature on the German East Africa Fun Note
German East Africa Fun Note under normal light
Available at robertsworldmoney.com
I doubt that this sort of covert security feature was even a glint in the banknote engravers’ eye doubt that this sort of covert security feature was even a glint in the banknote engravers eye when the German East African notes were produced in the early twentieth century.
What is clear from these examples is that we now have superior quality fun notes. They have advanced in quality, use of polymer and high quality paper, ink, design, security features which are comparable (dare I say sometimes better) to real banknotes.
However, if you are only looking for real banknotes, please see the pointers I gave in my previous blog: “The Fun of Fun Notes”. If you are still in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask the seller. It would not upset me in anyway if someone asked. A banknote seller would not want to ruin their reputation by trying to pass a fun note off as a real note.