Guide to Detecting Counterfeit Norwegian Krone (NOK) Banknotes

How to Identify Counterfeit NOK (kr) Currency Notes

Norway might be known for its fjords and northern lights, but when it comes to currency, the Norwegian krone is just as carefully designed. The banknotes from Series VIII are packed with high-tech features designed to prevent counterfeiting. But that doesn’t mean fakes don’t exist. Whether you're picking up Norwegian krone before departure or exchanging currency on arrival, it’s helpful to know what an authentic note looks and feels like, so you're not caught off guard with a counterfeit note.

Key Security Features of Norwegian Krone Bank Notes

Motif (Main Theme of the Note)

Each banknote in Series VIII features a unique visual motif inspired by Norway’s maritime heritage.

Raised Printing (Intaglio):

Genuine notes use raised ink that creates a textured feel on key elements like the denomination number, the primary motif, and the text “Norges Bank.”

Floating Ring:

A metallic ring on the lower-left corner appears to float and shift as you tilt the note. It is present on all denominations.

Anchor Chain (Dynamic Thread):

All notes except the 50-krone include a dynamic thread displaying an anchor chain that appears to move up and down as the note is tilted.

Watermark:

When held up to light, a detailed image of an Atlantic puffin appears alongside the note’s value.

Embedded Security Thread:

A dark vertical line embedded in the paper becomes visible when the note is viewed against the light.

Iridescent Feature:

Each note includes a shimmering pattern or symbol on the back that reflects light and changes colour as the note is tilted.

Tactile Marks for the Visually Impaired:

Along the edge of each note, raised vertical bars are present to distinguish denominations by touch. The number of bars increases with the value of the note.

A Detailed Guide to Identifying Counterfeit NOK Currency by Denomination

Denomination	Motif/Theme	Raised Ink Elements	Watermark & Security Thread	Anchor Chain	Iridescent Feature	Tactile Marks
50-Krone	Utvær Lighthouse	“50”, lighthouse, bank name	Puffin + embedded thread	No	Lighthouse beam shimmer	1 pair
100-Krone	Viking Ship	“100”, ship, bank name	Puffin + anchor thread + embedded thread	Yes	Globe motif shimmer	2 pairs
200-Krone	Atlantic Cod	“200”, cod, bank name	Puffin + anchor thread + embedded thread	Yes	Sea-mark shimmer	3 pairs
500-Krone	RS 14 Rescue Vessel	“500”, ship, bank name	Puffin + anchor thread + embedded thread	Yes	Rescue shimmer motif	4 pairs
1000-Krone	Ocean Wave	“1000”, wave, bank name	Puffin + anchor thread + embedded thread	Yes	Ocean shimmer motif	5 pairs

1. The 50-Krone Banknote

Motif: The note features the Utvær Lighthouse, symbolising Norway's role in maritime navigation and safety.
Raised Ink:The number “50,” the lighthouse image, and the text “Norges Bank” all feature raised printing.
Floating Ring: A metallic ring in the lower-left corner shifts and floats when the note is tilted.
3D Hologram: A small hologram patch near the front-right corner displays a rotating 3D portrait of Kitasato when the note is tilted, along with shimmering effects.
Anchor Chain: It is not present on this denomination.
Watermark: An image of an Atlantic puffin and the number “50” appear clearly when held up to light.
Security Thread: A dark embedded thread runs vertically and becomes visible when backlit.
Iridescent Feature: The lighthouse beam on the reverse has a shimmering quality that changes colour as the note is tilted.
Tactile Marks: One pair of raised vertical lines is located near the edge to aid recognition by touch.

2. The 100-Krone Banknote

Motif: The note features a Viking Ship, representing Norway’s deep-rooted seafaring culture and exploration legacy.
Raised Ink: The number “100,” the ship design, and the text “Norges Bank” are printed with raised ink.
Floating Ring: The metallic ring appears to float and shift as you move the note.
Watermark: A puffin watermark and the number “100” appear when the note is held against light.
Security Thread: A vertical dark line becomes visible when the note is backlit.
Iridescent Feature: A globe motif on the reverse shimmers and changes colour depending on the viewing angle.
Tactile Marks: Two pairs of raised vertical bars are placed along the edge of the note

3. The 200-Krone Banknote

Motif: The note showcases the Atlantic Cod, an important symbol of Norway’s fishing and marine economy.
Raised Ink: You can feel raised ink on the number “200,” the cod image, and the “Norges Bank” text.
Floating Ring: The metallic ring on the note moves slightly and changes colour when tilted.
Anchor Chain: A dynamic security thread features a moving anchor chain that becomes visible when tilted.
Watermark: An Atlantic puffin image and the number “200” become visible when the note is held to light.
Security Thread: A dark vertical thread embedded in the paper is revealed under transmitted light.
Iridescent Feature: A sea-mark motif on the back of the note produces a reflective shimmer.
Tactile Marks: Three pairs of raised vertical lines are present to distinguish the denomination by touch.

4. The 500-Krone Banknote

Motif: The note features the RS 14 Stavanger, a historic rescue vessel that underscores Norway’s commitment to maritime safety.
Raised Ink: The number “500,” the ship illustration, and “Norges Bank” are all printed with raised ink.
Floating Ring: The ring at the bottom left shifts and appears suspended as the note moves.
Anchor Chain: A dynamic thread with an anchor design moves vertically when the note is tilted.
Watermark: An Atlantic puffin and the number “500” appear clearly in the watermark area.
Security Thread: A vertical dark line becomes visible within the paper when viewed in backlight.
Iridescent Feature: A rescue-themed shimmer graphic on the back changes colour when the note is moved.
Tactile Marks: Four pairs of raised vertical bars are printed near the edge.

5. The 1000-Krone Banknote

Motif: The note displays a stylised Ocean Wave, capturing the vastness and power of the open sea.
Raised Ink: The number “1000,” the wave design, and “Norges Bank” have a noticeable embossed feel.
Floating Ring: The metallic ring near the corner floats and shifts colour as the note is tilted.
Anchor Chain: The dynamic thread shows an anchor chain moving up and down with note movement.
Watermark: The Atlantic puffin and the number “1000” appear when the note is held up to the light.
Security Thread: A dark embedded thread is clearly visible under the backlight.
Iridescent Feature: An ocean shimmer graphic on the reverse reflects light and changes appearance with movement.
Tactile Marks: Five sets of raised vertical bars are located along the edge of the note.

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