Guide to Detecting Counterfeit Macau Pataca (MOP) Notes

How to Identify Counterfeit MOP (MOP$) Currency Notes

The Macau Pataca (MOP) is the official currency of Macau. What makes Macau unique is that its banknotes are issued by two different commercial banks, the Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) and the Bank of China (BOC). Both banks circulate notes of the same denominations, but each has its own designs, motifs, and subtle artistic variations. Despite the design differences, the core security features remain consistent across all notes, ensuring authenticity and protecting against counterfeiting.

Key Security Features of Macau Pataca Notes

Watermark:

Each note carries a watermark of a lotus flower, Macau’s emblem, alongside the denomination numeral, which becomes clearly visible when held against the light.

Security Thread:

All denominations contain a windowed security thread embedded in the paper. Under transmitted light, the thread appears as a continuous dark line, with microtext showing the denomination.

See-Through Register:

Some elements of the design are printed on the front and back in precise alignment. When the note is held up to the light, these combine to form the complete denomination numeral.

Optically Variable Ink (OVI):

On higher denominations (100 Patacas and above), the denomination numeral is printed in optically variable ink, which changes color when viewed from different angles.

Iridescent Stripe:

Notes of higher value (such as the 500 and 1000 MOP) include a shimmering iridescent stripe with repeated motifs, visible when the note is tilted.

Intaglio Printing:

Raised printing is used for key features such as the denomination, text, and portraits, giving the note a distinct tactile feel that can be verified by touch.

Microtext:

Very small lettering is printed in various areas of the note, only legible under magnification, adding another layer of authentication.

UV Features:

Under ultraviolet light, certain fibers embedded in the paper glow in multiple colors, and specific patterns or numerals fluoresce distinctly.

Serial Numbers:

Each banknote has unique serial numbers printed in two locations, with at least one set in an anti-counterfeiting font.

A Detailed Guide to Identifying Counterfeit MOP Currency by Denomination

Denomination	Watermark	See-through Register	OVI / Color-shift	UV Features	Fluorescent Fibers	Iridescent Features	Microtext
10 Patacas	Lotus + “10”	Aligns to “10”	Gold to green	Yellow glow + “10”	Yellow/blue + “10”	Lotus + “10”	“MACAU” + “10”
20 Patacas	Lotus + “20”	Aligns to “20”	Magenta to green	Fluorescent + “20”	Yellow/blue + “20”	Lotus + “20”	“MACAU” + “20”
50 Patacas	Lotus + “50”	Aligns to “50”	Green to magenta	Fluorescent + “50”	Yellow/blue + “50”	Lotus + “50”	“MACAU” + “50”
100 Patacas	Lotus + “100”	Aligns to “100”	Gold to green	Fluorescent + “100”	Yellow/blue + “100”	Lotus + “100”	“MACAU” + “100”
500 Patacas	Lotus + “500”	Aligns to “500”	Gold to green	Fluorescent + “500”	Yellow/blue + “500”	Lotus + “500”	“MACAU” + “500”
1000 Patacas	Lotus + “1000”	Aligns to “1000”	Gold to green	Fluorescent + “1000”	Yellow/blue + “1000”	Lotus + “1000”	“MACAU” + “1000”

1. 10 Patacas

On the front left, the note displays a lotus flower watermark and an electrotype “10,” both clearly visible when held against light.
Next to the lotus, a high-contrast watermark of the numeral “10” stands out sharply against the paper when backlit.
The upper-left motif on the front and upper-right motif on the back align when held to light to form the complete numeral “10.”
At the bottom left of the front, a lotus pattern shows a rolling-bar color change effect (gold to green) when tilted.
Embedded on the left of the back, the thread carries alternately micro-letters reading bank name and the bank logo, visible when the note is tilted.
Portions of the offset-printed design on the reverse glow yellow under ultraviolet light.
Prominent features, including the main patterns, bank name/logo, denomination numerals, and explanatory text, are intaglio printed.
Raised intaglio lines are printed along both vertical edges of the front side, providing tactile feedback for visual impairment.
The serial number at the bottom right of the front is printed in red and black magnetic ink, with alternating digit sizes for enhanced security.
Yellow and blue fibers embedded in the paper fluoresce under UV light, along with a yellow numeral “10” at the bottom front.
Lotus shapes and the numeral appear and disappear on the top front of the note as it is tilted.
Using magnification, “MACAU” and “10” can be seen printed in microtext at the bottom right corners of both obverse and reverse.
Additional small text versions of “MACAU” and the denomination are visible in background areas on the reverse when magnified.

2. 20 Patacas

On the front left, the note features a lotus flower watermark, accompanied by an electrotype “20,” both of which are clearly visible when held to light.
Adjacent to the lotus, a distinct watermark of the numeral “20” stands in sharp contrast to the paper when backlit.
Front and back partial motifs, located upper-left on the obverse and upper-right on the reverse, align under light to form the full numeral “20.
At the bottom left of the obverse, a small lion (southern lion motif) pattern shifts color (from magenta to green) when tilted, indicating the OVI effect.
Embedded in the left offset on the reverse is a windowed security thread displaying the bank name and the bank logo in alternating segments, visible when the note is tilted.
Some parts of the reverse printing glow under ultraviolet light, revealing hidden fluorescent patterns.
The main motifs, including bank name, denomination numerals, and explanatory text, are printed in intaglio, making them raised and tactile to the touch.
Raised intaglio lines run along both vertical edges of the front side.
The serial number on the bottom right of the obverse uses red and black magnetic ink with alternating digit sizes for increased anti-counterfeiting security.
Embedded yellow and blue fibers in the paper fluoresce under UV light, and the numeral “20” at the bottom front also fluoresces.
Iridescent lotus motifs and the numeral “20” appear and disappear on the top front when the note is tilted at various angles.
Using a magnifier, the microtext “MACAU” and “20” are visible at the bottom right of both the obverse and reverse.
Additional background microtext (“MACAU” and “20”) is printed in the reverse design and becomes legible under magnification.

3. 50 Patacas

On the front left, a lotus watermark appears alongside an electrotype “50,” both clearly visible when held to light.
Next to that watermark, a high-contrast numeral “50” stands out on the paper when viewed backlit.
Front/back partial elements in the upper-left (obverse) and upper-right (reverse) align under light to complete the numeral “50.
A rolling-bar OVI effect is present in a lotus or denomination motif at the lower left on the obverse, shifting colors when tilted.
The windowed security thread embedded in the reverse displays micro-letters reading the bank name, and the bank logo alternately as you tilt the note.
Under UV light, certain areas of the reverse offset printing fluoresce brightly.
The main design elements, like the bank name, numeral, and key text, are printed using intaglio for a raised tactile effect.
Raised tactile lines are printed along the front’s vertical edges for accessibility.
The obverse serial number uses red and black magnetic ink with alternating digit sizes to enhance anti-counterfeit security.
Tembedded fluorescent fibers and a glowing “50” numeral appear under UV light on the obverse.
Lotus or numeral motifs on the top front exhibit iridescence when the note is tilted.
Magnification reveals microtext versions of “MACAU” and “50” printed at the bottom right of both sides.
Additional micro-printing (“MACAU” and “50”) is woven into the reverse’s background patterns and becomes visible under magnification.

4. 100 Patacas

The front left of the note features a lotus watermark with an electrotype “100,” clearly visible under bright backlighting.
Adjacent, a high-contrast watermark of the number “100” stands out sharply against the paper when held to light.
Upper-left and upper-right motifs on the obverse and reverse align to form the full numeral “100” when the note is viewed against light.
At the bottom left of the front, a denomination numeral in OVI form shifts color from gold to green when tilted.
A windowed security thread embedded in the reverse shows bank name and the bank logo in shifting metallic tones when the note is tilted.
Certain reverse printing features glow under ultraviolet light, revealing hidden patterns.
Bank name, denomination, and major elements are intaglio printed, giving them a raised, tactile feel.
Raised intaglio lines are printed along both front vertical edges, aiding touch-based identification.
The serial number on the bottom right obverse appears in alternating red and black magnetic ink and varying digit sizes.
Yellow and blue fibers embedded in the paper, as well as a fluorescent numeral “100,” glow under UV illumination.
Iridescent elements, such as lotus or number 100, are visible on the top front when the note is tilted.
With a magnifier, one can read microtext “MACAU” and “100” at the bottom-right corners of each side.
Additional microtext (e.g., “MACAU” and “100”) is printed within the reverse’s ornamentation and becomes legible under magnification.

5. 500 Patacas

A lotus watermark with an electrotype “500” is inset at the front-left and becomes clearly visible under light.
A contrasting watermark of the numeral “500” appears next to the lotus when illuminated.
Front/back motifs align precisely to form the “500” when held to light.
An OVI numeric motif or lotus pattern at the lower left of the front shifts color between gold and green when tilted.
A windowed metallic thread on the reverse carries micro-letters and a logo that shifts visibility when the note is tilted.
UV lighting reveals certain fluorescent patterns on the reverse.
The main design components are intaglio printed for a pronounced tactile effect.
Raised tactile lines run along the vertical edges of the front side.
The serial number features dual-color magnetic ink and size-varied digits on the obverse's lower right.
Embedded fluorescent fibers and a glowing “500” numeral are visible under UV light on the front.
Iridescent motifs, including lotus and “500,” animate when the note is tilted.
Microtext “MACAU” and “500” is visible under magnification at the bottom right on both sides.
Additional micro-printed “MACAU” and “500” are present in the reverse’s background design under magnification.

6. 1000 Patacas

The front-left watermark includes a lotus and electrotype “1000,” clearly visible when held to light.
A sharply contrasting “1000” watermark stands adjacent, discernible when backlit.
Partial motifs on the upper-left (front) and upper-right (back) align to complete “1000” under light.
An OVI motif around the lower-left area shifts color (gold to green) as the note is tilted.
The reverse windowed thread alternates micro-letter text and bank logo, visible in metallic tones when angled.
UV exposure reveals hidden fluorescent patterns on the back.
Intaglio printing is applied to inscriptions and numerals, creating a textured feel.
Tactile edge lines are printed along both front edges for touch detection.
The serial number uses red/black magnetic ink with alternating digit sizes, placed on the front’s lower right.
Fluorescent fibers and a glowing numeral “1000” are visible under UV light on the front.
Iridescent elements (lotus or numeric “1000”) become visible when the note is tilted.
Microtext “MACAU” and “1000” can be read under magnification at the bottom right on both sides.
Additional background micro-printing of “MACAU” and “1000” appears on the reverse when magnified.

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