Guide to Detecting Counterfeit Australian Dollar (AUD)
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How to Identify Counterfeit AUD (A$) Currency Notes
For individuals travelling from India to Australia and planning to exchange their currency for Australian Dollars, it is important to remain vigilant against the risk of counterfeit notes. Although the Reserve Bank of Australia has incorporated advanced security features into its banknotes, being familiar with the distinguishing features of genuine Australian currency can help ensure a safe and hassle-free financial experience during your trip.
Key Security Features of Australian Dollar Bank Notes
Clear Window:
A prominent feature is the clear window. Newer banknotes have a top-to-bottom clear window that contains several integrated security elements. Existing banknotes also feature a clear window. This window in genuine AUD banknotes should be transparent and clear, not cloudy or opaque.
White Image:
Within this clear window, all denominations of genuine Australian banknotes feature a white image. This image is incorporated into the polymer and cannot be easily rubbed off or removed. For instance, the $50 banknote displays the Southern Cross as its white image. The image is embedded within the polymer and not printed on the surface, which provides an additional layer of security.
See-Through Registration:
Another important security feature is the perfectly combined patterns, also known as the see-through registration. Diamond-shaped patterns are printed inside a circle on both the front and back of the banknote. When a genuine banknote is held up to a light source, these patterns should align with absolute precision to form a complete seven-pointed star within the circle.
Shadow Image:
When a genuine Australian Dollar banknote is held to the light, a shadow image of the Australian Coat of Arms becomes visible under the printed design. This effect is created by subtle variations in the background printing on the polymer substrate itself. The shadow image is an inherent part of the polymer structure, making it challenging for counterfeiters to reproduce convincingly.
Raised Printing:
Genuine banknotes also feature raised printing, known as intaglio print. This raised texture can be felt by gently running a finger across the portrait of the individual depicted on the banknote and over the numeral indicating the denomination. This advanced high-pressure printing technique used in authentic banknotes sets them apart from the standard printing methods typically used by counterfeiters.
Microprinting:
Microprinting is another security element present on both new and existing series banknotes. It refers to extremely small, clearly defined text that is printed in various areas on the banknote. Often, this text is so small that it requires the use of a magnifying glass to read clearly. For example, the denomination of the banknote is typically microprinted in words (e.g., 'TWENTY DOLLARS', 'ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS').
Fluorescent ink:
Finally, fluorescent ink is used as a security feature on Australian banknotes. Under ultraviolet (UV) light, specific elements of a genuine banknote will glow. This includes the serial numbers printed on the note. Additionally, certain patches or images may fluoresce, such as a bird on the new $5 banknote and a patch indicating the banknote's value on older series notes. The year of printing might also exhibit fluorescence.
A Detailed Guide to Identifying Counterfeit AUD Currency by Denomination
Both the current (these are the existing banknotes that have been in use for several years) and the newer series (these are the latest versions being introduced gradually) of Australian banknotes incorporate a range of security features designed to prevent counterfeiting.
| Denomination | New Banknote Features | Current Banknote Features |
|---|---|---|
| A$5 | Moving Eastern Spinebill in window; Number 5 changes direction; Colour-changing rolling patch; Fluorescent bird, serial number, year under UV. | Clear window without embossing; 7-pointed star registration device; Shadow Coat of Arms visible; Microprinting & fluorescent serial numbers. |
| A$10 | Moving Cockatoo in window; Number 10 changes direction; Colour-changing rolling patch; Microprinting from The Man from Snowy River; Fluorescent bird, wattle, serial number under UV. | Clear window with wave embossing; Microprinted poems; 7-pointed star registration device; Shadow Coat of Arms visible; Fluorescent serial numbers & value patch. |
| A$20 | Moving Laughing Kookaburra in window; Number 20 changes direction; Colour-changing rolling patch; Tactile bumps; Microprinting ships & book excerpts; Fluorescent bird, serial number under UV. | Embossed ‘20’ in window; UV value patch; 7-pointed star registration device; Shadow Coat of Arms visible; Intaglio printing. |
| A$50 | Moving Black Swan in window; Number 50 changes direction; Colour-changing rolling patch. | Embossed ‘50’ in window; White Southern Cross in window; UV value patch; 7-pointed star registration device; Shadow Coat of Arms visible. |
| A$100 | 3D fan and moving owl in window; Number 100 changes direction; Colour-changing rolling patch; Tactile bumps; Microprinting excerpts; Fluorescent owl, wattle, serial number under UV. | Embossed ‘100’ and lyrebird print; UV value patch; 7-pointed star registration device; Shadow Coat of Arms visible; Intaglio printing & fluorescent ink |
The A$5 Banknote
New Banknote:
- The new A$5 banknote features a top-to-bottom window.
- When the banknote is tilted, an image of a moving Eastern Spinebill appears inside this window. At the bottom of the window, within the depiction of the Federation Pavilion, the number 5 changes direction when the note is tilted.
- On the top corner of the banknote (when turned over), there is a prominent colour-changing rolling patch that shifts colour with a rolling effect when tilted.
- Under UV light, a bird, the serial number, and the year of print will fluoresce.
Current Banknote:
- The current A$5 banknote has a clear window without any embossing.
- It also includes a see-through registration device where diamond-shaped patterns on both sides form a seven-pointed star.
- A shadow image of the Australian Coat of Arms is visible when held to the light.
- The note has intaglio print and background print.
- Microprinting is located in the top left corner.
- Under UV light, the serial numbers and a square patch showing the value will fluoresce.
The A$10 Banknote
New Banknote:
- The new A$10 banknote features a top-to-bottom window.
- Tilting the banknote displays a moving Cockatoo inside this window.
- Within the image of a homestead at the bottom of the window, the number 10 changes direction when the banknote is tilted.
- A colour-changing rolling patch is located on the top corner of the banknote (when turned over) and exhibits a rolling colour effect upon tilting.
- Also, the new $10 note includes microprinting of excerpts from 'The Man from Snowy River' by Banjo Paterson.
- When placed under UV light, a bird and wattle feature will fluoresce on one side, while the serial number and year of print will glow on the other.
Current Banknote:
- The current A$10 banknote has a clear window with a distinctive wave pattern embossing.
- It also features microprinting of poems by AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson and Dame Mary Gilmore.
- Besides this, the current $10 banknote also incorporates the key security features common to all denominations.
- These include a clear window, a white image within the window, perfectly combining patterns forming a seven-pointed star, a shadow image of the Australian Coat of Arms, raised intaglio printing, microprinting, etc.
- Under UV light, the serial numbers and a patch showing the value will fluoresce.
The A$20 Banknote
New Banknote:
- The new A$20 banknote includes a top-to-bottom window containing optically variable images, specifically a flying bird (Laughing Kookaburra) and a reversing number '20'.
- It also features an ink patch with a rolling colour effect.
- A significant addition is a tactile feature consisting of three raised bumps on each of the long edges, specifically designed to assist people who are blind or have low vision in identifying the denomination.
- The microprint on the new A$20 note includes the names of the ships owned by Mary Reibey and excerpts from Reverend John Flynn's book, 'The Bushman's Companion'.
- The design incorporates representations of the Box-leaf Wattle and the Laughing Kookaburra within several security features.
- When tilted, the number '20' within a building in the window changes direction, and the colourful Laughing Kookaburra also changes colour.
- A rolling colour effect is visible in a prominent patch and within the bird shape.
- There is also an image in a small, clear window with an embossed light and dark effect.
- Under UV light, a bird, the serial number, and the year of print will fluoresce.
Current Banknote:
- The current A$20 banknote has a clear window with the value '20' embossed.
- A rectangular patch showing the value '20' becomes visible under UV light.
- The current A$20 banknote incorporates several security features that are common to all Australian dollar banknotes.
- It features a see-through registration device, a shadow image of the Australian Coat of Arms, and raised intaglio printing. A rectangular patch showing the value '20' becomes visible under UV light.
The A$50 Banknote
New Banknote:
- The new A$50 banknote features a top-to-bottom window containing dynamic security elements.
- When tilted, a moving Black Swan appears inside the window.
- At the bottom of the window, within the depiction of a building, the number 50 changes direction when the banknote is tilted.
- A prominent colour-changing rolling patch is located on the top corner of the banknote (when turned over) and exhibits a colour change with a rolling effect upon tilting.
Current Banknote:
- The current A$50 banknote has a clear window with the value '50' embossed.
- The white image visible in the window is the Southern Cross.
- A rectangular patch showing the value '50' becomes visible under UV light.
- It also includes the common security features to all denominations, such as a clear window, a white image within the window, perfectly combining patterns forming a seven-pointed star, etc.
- It also has a see-through registration device, a shadow image of the Australian Coat of Arms, and raised intaglio printing. A rectangular patch showing the value '50' becomes visible under UV light.
The A$100 Bill
New Banknote:
- The new A$100 banknote features a clear top-to-bottom window.
- When tilted, a three-dimensional fan with colourful lines is visible within this window. There is also a fan visible in a small clear window.
- A key feature consisting of five raised bumps on each of the long edges helps people who are blind or have low vision to distinguish this denomination.
- Tilting the banknote reveals an owl that appears to move its wings and change colour.
- The number '100' changes direction within the image of the Shrine when the banknote is tilted.
- The colours within the owl's wings also change when tilted.
- A rolling colour effect is visible on both sides of the banknote when it is tilted.
- Under UV light, an owl, a wattle branch, the serial number, and the year of print will fluoresce.
- The microprint on the new $100 note includes excerpts from Dame Nellie Melba's autobiography 'Melodies and Memories' and a letter written by Sir John Monash.
Current Banknote:
- The current A$100 banknote has a clear window with the value '100' embossed and a print of a lyrebird.
- A rectangular patch showing the value '100' becomes visible under UV light.
- It also shares the common security features with all denominations, such as a clear window, a white image within the window, perfectly combining patterns forming a seven-pointed star, a shadow image of the Australian Coat of Arms, raised intaglio printing, microprinting, and fluorescent ink.
CIN : U74999HR2011PTC043950
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