How to check Counterfeit Money

The international popularity of U.S. currency makes it an obvious target for counterfeiters. But the report estimates that of U.S. notes in circulation abroad and at home, only about one note in 10,000 is counterfeit.

To stay ahead of currency counterfeiters, the U.S. will be introducing new currency designs every seven to ten years. Not only will many of these design updates add complexity to the bill and make counterfeiting more difficult, other features will help the public, particularly those with visual impairments, to tell denominations apart.

Example of a 50 dollar note

Color-Shifting Ink: Look at the number "50" in the lower right corner on the face of the bill. When you tilt the bill up and down, the color-shifting ink changes from copper to green. The color shift is more dramatic in the redesigned bills, making it even easier for people to check their money.

Watermark: Hold the bill up to the light and look for the watermark, or faint image, similar to the large portrait. The watermark is part of the paper itself, and it can be seen from both sides of the bill.

Security Thread: Hold the bill up to the light and look for the security thread, or plastic strip, that is embedded in the paper and runs vertically to the right of the portrait. If you look closely, the words "USA 50" and a small flag are visible along the thread from both sides of the bill. This thread glows yellow when held under an ultraviolet light.

Design Features

Symbols of Freedom: New symbols of freedom have been designed on the face of the $50 bill to represent images of the American flag. The traditional stars and stripes of the United States flag are printed in blue and red behind the portrait of President Grant. A field of blue stars is located to the left of the portrait, while three red stripes are located to the right of the portrait. A small metallic silver-blue star is located on the lower right side of the portrait. The symbols of freedom will differ for each denomination.

Color: The most noticeable difference in the redesigned $50 bill is the addition of subtle background colors of blue and red to both sides of the bill. Also, small yellow “50”s have been printed in the background on the back of the bill. The Series 2004 currency marks the first time in modern American history that U.S. cash will include colors other than black and green. Different background colors are being used for the different denominations. This helps everyone to tell denominations apart.

Updated Portrait and Vignette: The oval borders and fine lines surrounding the portrait of President Grant on the face and the United States Capitol vignette on the back have been removed. The portrait has been moved up and shoulders have been extended into the border. Additional engraving details have been added to the vignette background.

Microprinting: Because they are so small, microprinted words are hard to replicate. The redesigned $50 bill features microprinting on the face of the bill in three areas: the words "FIFTY," "USA," and the numeral "50" can be found in two of the blue stars to the left of the portrait; the word "FIFTY" can be found repeated within both side borders of the bill; and the words "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" appear on President Ulysses S. Grant's collar, under his beard.

Low-Vision Feature: The large numeral "50" in the lower right corner on the back of the bill is easy to read

Federal Reserve Indicators: A universal seal to the left of the portrait represents the entire Federal Reserve System. A letter and number beneath the left serial number identifies the issuing Federal Reserve Bank.

Serial Numbers: The unique combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the face of the bill. On the redesigned $50 bill, the left serial number has shifted slightly to the right, compared with previous designs.

Source :Moneyfactory.gov

• Watermark and Security Thread: Hold the bill up to a light to see a watermark portrait in the space to the right of the engraved portrait, and a security thread embedded in the paper. The thread will glow green under an ultraviolet light. A security thread also appears in Series 1990, 1993 and 1995 notes.
• Color Shifting Ink: Tilt the bill back and forth to see the lower right numeral change from green to black to green.
• Fine Line Printing: Look for fine line printing patterns behind the portrait on the front and building on the back of the note. These lines should be clear and parallel to each other, not distorted.