Guide to Detecting Counterfeit Czech Koruna (CZK) Notes
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How to Identify Counterfeit CZK (Kč) Currency Notes
Planning a trip from India to the Czech Republic? Exploring Prague’s cobbled streets, castles, and cafes is exciting, but it’s equally important to stay alert when handling cash. Counterfeit notes do occasionally appear in circulation, and if you’re not familiar with the Czech Koruna (CZK), they can be tricky to spot. This guide will walk you through the key security features of Czech banknotes, so you’ll know exactly what to look for, no matter the denomination.
Key Security Features of Czech Koruna Notes
Watermark:
A multi-tone portrait watermark (matching the main portrait on the note) appears along with denomination numerals when held against the light.
Security Thread:
A windowed thread with silvery segments is woven into the note; under light, the full dark line with microtext of the denomination becomes visible.
See-Through Register:
Incomplete printed motifs on both sides align exactly to form a complete figure when the note is viewed against light.
Latent Image:
The denomination numeral is hidden and only becomes visible when the banknote is tilted at certain angles.
Optically Variable Ink (OVI):
Colour-shifting (optically variable) ink is applied to specific motifs (linden leaf/ stylised flower/ hexagon with lion’s head, etc.) on the notes.
Iridescent Stripe / Holographic Features:
Some notes (higher denominations) carry an iridescent stripe or hologram that shifts in colour and brightness.
Microtext:
Fine lettering, such as “CNB” or the denomination, is printed in miniature along borders or decorative elements. This looks like a line to the naked eye, but can be read under magnification.
Raised / Intaglio Printing:
The portrait, denomination numerals, and certain inscriptions are printed in raised ink that can be felt by touch.
A Detailed Guide to Identifying Counterfeit CZK Currency by Denomination
| Denomination | Main Color & Portrait | Watermark | Security Thread | Latent Image | Optically Variable Ink (OVI) | Iridescent/Holographic Strip | Microtext |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Kč | Green; Charles IV | Portrait + “100” | Windowed thread with “100 Kč” | Hidden “100” | Not used | No | “CNB” + “100” |
| 200 Kč | Brown/Orange; Jan Amos Komensky | Portrait + “200” | Windowed thread with “200 Kč” | Hidden “200” | Not used | No | “CNB” + “200” |
| 500 Kč | Violet; Božena Němcová | Portrait + “500” | Windowed thread with “500 Kč” | Hidden “500” | Used in motif | No | “CNB” + “500” |
| 1000 Kč | Purple; František Palacký | Portrait + “1000” + linden leaf | Windowed thread with “1000 Kč” | Hidden “1000” | Used in motif | Yes | “CNB” + “1000” |
| 2000 Kč | Olive Green/Grey; Ema Destinnová | Portrait + “2000” | Windowed thread with “2000 Kč” | Hidden “2000” | Used in motif | Yes | “CNB” + “2000” |
| 5000 Kč | Grey-Olive; T.G. Masaryk | Portrait + “5000” + Czech lion/eagle emblem | Windowed thread with “5000 Kč” | Hidden “5000” | Used in motif | Yes | “CNB” + “5000” |
1. 100 Kč Note
- The 100 Kč note is predominantly green and features a portrait of Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, with architectural details from his era.
- The watermark shows a portrait of Charles IV along with the numeral “100.”
- A windowed security thread runs vertically through the note, appearing as metallic segments, and shows continuous microtext “100 Kč” when held against light.
- The see-through register forms a precise circular “ČR” mark when the note is held to the light, with front and back halves aligning perfectly.
- The latent image reveals the hidden numeral “100” when the banknote is tilted at a certain angle.
- Optically variable ink is not used on the 100 Kč note.
- An iridescent strip is not present on the 100 Kč note.
- Microtext with the word “ČNB” and the numeral “100” can be read under magnification in several areas of the note.
- Raised intaglio printing gives the portrait, inscriptions, and numerals a textured feel that can be sensed by touch.
2. 200 Kč Note
- The 200 Kč note is brown and orange in color and features Jan Amos Komensky (Comenius), a famous Czech philosopher and educator.
- The watermark shows a portrait of Comenius, along with the numeral “200”, visible when held against light.
- A windowed metallic security thread runs through the note, which appears as shiny segments and shows “200 Kč” in text when illuminated.
- The see-through register completes into a perfect circular “ČR” mark when the banknote is held to the light.
- The latent image reveals the numeral “200” when the note is tilted at an angle.
- Optically variable ink is not used on the 200 Kč note.
- No iridescent strip is present on the 200 Kč note.
- Microtext of “CNB” and “200” can be found in the patterned areas and is visible under a magnifying glass.
- Raised intaglio printing can be felt on Comenius’ portrait, inscriptions, and denomination numerals.
3. 500 Kč Note
- The 500 Kč note is predominantly violet and features Bozena Nemcova, a renowned Czech writer.
- The watermark includes her portrait and the numeral “500,” revealed when the note is held against light.
- A metallic windowed thread with microtext “500 Kč” runs vertically and is visible under transmitted light.
- The front-to-back register forms a circular “ČR” motif when held up to light.
- A latent image of the numeral “500” appears when the note is tilted.
- Optically variable ink is present in a stylized motif that shifts colour when tilted.
- No iridescent strip is present on the 500 Kč note.
- Microtext with “CNB” and “500” is placed in several printed elements, legible with magnification.
- Intaglio raised printing highlights the portrait, denomination numerals, and inscriptions for tactile recognition.
4. 1000 Kč Note
- The 1000 Kč note is purple and features the portrait of Frantisek Palacky, a 19th-century Czech historian and politician.
- The watermark shows Palacky’s portrait, the numeral “1000,” and a linden leaf when viewed against light.
- A vertical windowed security thread shows metallic segments and continuous microtext “1000 Kč.”
- The front-to-back register completes to the “ČR” circle in transmitted light.
- A latent image reveals the numeral “1000” when tilted at an angle.
- Optically variable ink is used on a hexagonal motif that shifts colours between gold and green.
- An iridescent strip is present as a wavy, coloured band along the right margin that changes hues when tilted.
- Microtext with the numeral “1000” and the abbreviation “ČNB” can be found in the decorative print, visible only under magnification.
- Intaglio printing makes the portrait, large numerals, and inscriptions tactile to the touch.
5. 2000 Kč Note
- The 2000 Kč note is olive green and grey, and it features a portrait of Ema Destinnova, a famous Czech opera singer.
- The watermark displays Destinnova’s portrait, and the numeral “2000” when the note is viewed against light.
- The note includes a windowed metallic security thread with microtext “2000 Kč,” appearing as a continuous line under transmitted light.
- The front-to-back register resolves into the “ČR” circle under light.
- A latent image reveals the denomination “2000” when the note is tilted.
- Optically variable ink is used in design elements that shift colour when tilted.
- An iridescent strip appears under angled light, adding another layer of protection.
- Microtext of “CNB” and “2000” is embedded in several areas of the note’s design.
- Raised intaglio printing provides a textured feel on the portrait, denomination, and inscriptions.
6. 5000 Kč Note
- The 5000 Kč note is grey-olive in colour and features Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, the first President of Czechoslovakia.
- The watermark contains Masaryk’s portrait, a Czech lion/eagle emblem, and the numeral “5000,” which are visible when held to light.
- A metallic windowed security thread runs vertically, with microtext “5000 Kč” visible in transmitted light.
- The front-to-back register completes into a circular “ČR” pattern under light.
- A latent image of the numeral “5000” appears when the note is tilted horizontally or vertically.
- Optically variable ink is used in the motif that shifts colour from gold to green.
- A holographic stripe or patch is applied, displaying changing patterns and colours when tilted.
- Microtext with “CNB” and the numeral “5000” is present in multiple design areas, visible under magnification.
- Raised intaglio printing enhances the tactile feel of Masaryk’s portrait, the inscriptions, and the large denomination numbers.
