1. Spotting a fake paper or polymer note
Polymer ₤ 5 and ₤ 10 notes have actually completely replaced paper notes considering that 2018, while this year has actually seen the release of polymer ₤ 20 notes into circulation.
All notes will be polymer by the end of 2021, when the Bank of England expects to have actually released a ₤ 50 polymer note.
However with paper notes still in circulation and polymer notes having extra security features to make them harder to fake, what should you be looking out for to spot if your cash is phony?
First, let's look at how to find a fake paper banknote. If you're specifically thinking about identifying fake plastic notes, scroll straight to point 8.
These are printed on a special material, so make certain you examine how the paper feels.
An authentic banknote has a cloth-like feel, while a phony note will feel more like standard paper.
₤ 50 banknote (Image: Bank of England).
2. Raised print.
Run your finger across the paper note and if it's real, you must be able to feel the raised print on areas such as the words 'Bank of England' on the front.
If it's a fake, the note is unlikely to have a textured feel to it and will feel flat all over.
3. Examine the metallic thread.
A metallic thread is embedded in every paper banknote.
This looks like silver dashes on the back of paper ₤ 20 and ₤ 50 notes (see more info on spotting fake paper ₤ 20 notes on this Bank of England page).
The thread is woven through the paper-- not simply printed on-- so when you hold it as much as the light it should look like a continuous dark line.
This appears as brilliant green dashes on the front of ₤ 50 notes.
Each dash is in fact a window which includes pictures of the '₤' sign and the number '50'. When the note is tilted from side to side, the images move up and down.
When the note is tilted up and down, the images move from side to side and the number '50' and '₤' sign swap locations.
4. Examine the watermark.
If you hold a real note up to the light, you ought to see an image of the Queen's picture.
However, if you can still see the watermark when the note is flat and not held up to the light, it's likely to be a dodgy note.
5. Inspect the print quality.
The printed lines and colours on real notes will be detailed and sharp and totally free from spots or blurred edges. So ensure you inspect the information thoroughly.
If the quality is poor or unpleasant, you've got yourself a fake!
6. Check under ultra-violet light.
This isn't so useful if you've simply been provided a banknote in a shop, but if you're actually determined to find out whether your note is fake or genuine, put it under ultra-violet light.
If it's the genuine offer, its worth will appear in brilliant red and green numbers while the background will be dull on the other hand.
The paper ₤ 20 and ₤ 50 notes counterfeit money for sale also have bright red and green flecks arbitrarily spread out over the front and back of the note.
7. Use a magnifying glass.
Utilize a magnifying glass to look carefully at the lettering below the Queen's portrait. On a genuine note, ornamental swirls define the value of the note in little letters and numerals.