How to identify FAKE redesigned Naira notes, security features to look out for

In a bid to protect and keep Nigerians safe from the evil hands of Naira counterfeiters, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has published several security features to look out for in the new redesigned series of N200, N500 and N1000 Naira notes.

See below details and position of the security features as highlighted in the documents released by the CBN:

Almost the same features are replicated in the new N200 note, except for a gold patch with an embossed Coat of Arms.

At the front of the new N500 note are hand-engraved portraits and windowed metallic security thread with CBN inscription. Others include optical variable ink, see-through printing in Register, and a raised intaglio print at the front.

At the front of the most significant denomination in Nigeria, the CBN shows close to its name a security feature of intaglio raised print, a portrait watermark, and optically variable ink in the form of a rectangular arrow pointing downwards.

At the front of the N1,000 notes is also a kinegram of the N1,000 note and the Nigerian Coat of Arms. At the back of the N1,000 note are an Iridescent band, windowed metallic security thread, a see-through printing register and a raised intaglio print.

Quick Security Measures You Can Take Yourself

Touch, Look And Feel It

The feel of the new Naira note is one thing you should always look out for. CBN had already noted that the distinguishing features of the new Naira notes can be recognized by touch and visibility. The texture of a real note can be very easy to note especially when you are paying attention to it.

Use Mercury Bulbs

Mercury bulbs should not be left for banks alone, individuals or businesses should also adopt this measure. It will only cost you to buy the bulb and nothing else. Mercury bulbs will help you dictate some features which ordinarily cannot be seen just by mere looking. For instance, if a place a genuine N1,000 under the rays from a mercury bulb, it will show a shining 1000 (in numbers) written across the note.

Gently Scratch the Gold Foil

There is a gold foil feature just near the CBN Governor’s signature on the right side of the N1,000 note. You should try scratch the gold foil gently to see if it will peel off. If it peels off then it’s a fake. The gold foil on N1000 notes is original and does not peel.

Immerse In Water Or Any Other Liquid Substance

Another proactive step you can take while checking for genuineness of the new Naira notes is by immersing or dipping it water or any other liquid substance and then scrub gently. If it is fake, the colours will change immediately. One of the downsides of fake or counterfeited notes is that the colours used in printing them are soluble in water and some other liquids and so are easily washed off.

Examine the ribbon/thread

There is a security thread which appears like a ribbon on all Naira notes, running from the top to the bottom. In the real notes, this thread can be felt with a touch. It is more noticeable on old Naira notes. However, in fake notes, there is something that looks like the thread but it is not. In the counterfeit notes, what is there is just a straight-line painting that looks like the thread in the original notes. If you scratch the painting, it will easily peel off.

Try photocopying the notes

The new Naira notes are also protected against photocopying. There are also features, which are visible under ultraviolet light; for example, the serial number on each banknote is black but turns green under ultraviolet light.