Guide to Detecting Counterfeit Danish Krone (DKK) Banknotes

How to Identify Counterfeit DKK (kr.) Currency Notes

Planning a trip to Denmark? The Danish krone comes in various denominations with robust security, but even so, counterfeit notes do appear. Whether you're getting DKK before departure or exchanging on arrival, it’s smart to know what makes each note authentic. This guide walks you through every security feature, under each denomination, so you can spot a fake note in seconds.

Key Security Features of Danish Krone Bank Notes

Motif (Main Theme of the Note)

Each banknote features a specific Danish bridge and an ancient artefact, both central to its design and tied into its security features.

Raised Printing (Intaglio):

The surface of genuine notes has raised ink that can be felt when you run your fingers over the denomination, motifs, and text like “Danmarks Nationalbank.”

Windowed Motion Thread:

Certain denominations (like newer 100 and 200-krone notes) include a thread that shows dynamic movement, such as waves or anchors, when the note is tilted.

Hologram or Iridescent Patch:

A shimmering patch near the motif reflects light and changes colour with movement, enhancing both security and visual complexity.

Watermark & Embedded Security Thread:

When held up to light, you’ll see a watermark of the note’s artefact and a dark embedded thread running vertically through the paper.

UV Features:

Under ultraviolet (UV) light, genuine notes reveal glowing fibres and certain design elements that are invisible under normal light.

Microprinting:

Each note contains tiny printed text in specific areas, often around the motifs or numerals. These are visible only under magnification.

Tactile Marks for the Visually Impaired:

Each note has raised bars on the edge that help users identify denominations by touch. The number of bars increases with the value.

See-Through Register (Half Numerals):

On some notes, when held to light, half-printed numerals on the front and back align to form a full denomination number.

A Detailed Guide to Identifying Counterfeit DKK Currency by Denomination

As of now, Danish banknotes in circulation and legal tender include the 50, 100, 200, and 500‑krone denominations from the 2009 bridge-and-artefact series. While the series also included a 1000‑krone note, it has been officially withdrawn and will no longer be a valid means of payment after 31 May 2025. After this date, the note will not be accepted in stores, ATMs, or for general transactions in Denmark.

Denomination	Motif (Bridge & Artifact)	Motion Thread	Hologram Patch	Watermark & Thread	UV Features	Microprinting	See-Through Register	Tactile Marks (Triangle Sets)
50-Krone	Sallingsund Bridge & Skarpsalling Pot	Not included	Present near the pot; reflects light and shifts color	Includes watermark of the pot and an embedded dark security thread	Blue and green fluorescent fibers visible under UV light	“Danmarks Nationalbank” and “50” near motif and borders	Not included	1 set
100-Krone	Little Belt Bridge & Hindsgavl Dagger	Included; displays shifting anchor or wave pattern	Present above the dagger; changes color when tilted	Watermark of the dagger and embedded thread visible in backlight	UV elements glow near “100” and the motif, along with fibers	Repeating “100” and bank name near borders and dagger	Present; front and back half-numerals align when lit	2 sets
200-Krone	Knippelsbro Bridge & Langstrup Belt Plate	Included; motion effects visible when tilted	Present near belt plate; shifts color with movement	Watermark of belt plate and embedded thread clearly visible	UV fibers and symbols appear near “200” and the motif	Microtext near numerals and edges, including “200”	Present; forms complete “200” under light	3 sets
500-Krone	Queen Alexandrine Bridge & Bronze Bucket	Included in newer issues (2020 onwards); shifting wave or anchor pattern	Present next to bucket motif; color shifts when tilted	Watermark of the bucket and embedded security thread visible	Blue/green UV fibers and faint patterns near design	“500” and bank name printed in fine text near motif	Present; forms complete “500” under light	4 sets

1. The 50-Krone Banknote

Motif: The note features the Sallingsund Bridge and the Skarpsalling Pot, a clay vessel from Danish prehistory.
Raised Printing: The denomination number, bridge design, and issuing bank text are printed with raised ink that one can easily feel.
Motion Thread: The 50-krone note does not include a motion thread.
Hologram Patch: A shiny patch near the pot motif reflects light and shifts colour when tilted.
Watermark & Thread: A watermark of the pot and a visible security thread appear when viewed against the light.
UV Features: Blue and green fibres appear under UV. No complex UV patterns are present on this denomination.
Microprinting: Microtext like “Danmarks Nationalbank” and “50” can be found around the edges and near the artefact.
Tactile Marks: One set of raised triangles is printed along the edge.
See-Through Register: This note does not include a see-through register.

2. The 100-Krone Banknote

Motif: The front of the note features the Old Little Belt Bridge, and the reverse displays the Hindsgavl Dagger.
Raised Printing: Text, numerals, and the bridge image are printed with raised ink.
Motion Thread: A dynamic motion thread shows anchor or wave patterns that shift as the note is tilted.
Hologram Patch: A reflective patch above the dagger motif changes colour when viewed at different angles.
Watermark & Thread: The dagger watermark and a dark embedded thread appear when held to light.
UV Features: Blue and green fibres glow, and UV-reactive designs are visible around the “100” and dagger.
Microprinting: Fine text like “100” and “Danmarks Nationalbank” appears near the motif and along the design lines.
Tactile Marks: Two raised triangle bars are printed on the edge.
See-Through Register: Half-printed numerals on both sides align under light to form the complete number “100.”

3. The 200-Krone Banknote

Motif: The front displays Knippelsbro Bridge, while the back shows the Langstrup Belt Plate on the note.
Raised Printing: The denomination, motif, and bank name have raised ink that’s easy to feel.
Motion Thread: A visible thread displays animated wave or anchor effects when the note is tilted.
Hologram Patch: A colour-shifting patch near the belt plate changes hue with movement.
Watermark & Thread: A watermark of the belt plate and an embedded security thread appear under light.
UV Features: Glowing fibres and UV-responsive patterns emerge near the number “200” and motif under UV light.
Microprinting: Repeating “200” numerals and miniature text around the belt plate, and numerals are present.
Tactile Marks: Three sets of tactile triangle bars are present on the edge of the note.
See-Through Register: Front and back partial numbers align to reveal the full “200” when held against light.

4. The 500-Krone Banknote

Motif: The note features the Queen Alexandrine Bridge on the front and the Keldby Bronze Bucket on the back.
Raised Printing: The bridge, numeral “500,” and bank name are raised for a tactile feel.
Motion Thread: The note includes a motion thread with shifting wave or anchor patterns.
Hologram Patch: The reflective patch next to the bucket motif changes appearance when tilted.
Watermark & Thread: The watermark of the bucket and an embedded security thread are visible when held to light.
UV Features: Blue and green fluorescent fibres glow, and subtle UV elements appear near the motif.
Microprinting: Microtext such as “500” and “Danmarks Nationalbank” is printed around the design and borders.
Tactile Marks: Four sets of raised triangle bars are printed on the note’s edge.
See-Through Register: Front and back partial numbers align to reveal the full “500” when held against light.

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