Module 9

Real and Counterfeit Bills

Forensic 103 (Laboratory)

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Table of Contents

Description Page No.

Learning Objectives 3
Materials 4
Procedure 5 -10
Observation 11
Conclusion 12
Rubrics 13
References 14

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I. Learning Objectives

To learn different ways of differentiating fake money from real money

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II. Materials

• Fake Money
• Real Money – in all denomination
• UV light
• Microscope

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IV. Procedure

1. Using the Naked Eye:

Study the workmanship of each denomination of genuine Bangko Sentral bank notes. One
must take note and familiarize himself or herself with the various characteristics of the following
security features:

A. PAPER—The genuine note is printed on a special paper, which is rough when one runs his
or her fingers through it. It does not glow under ultraviolet light. During the manufacturing
process of the paper, the watermark, security fibers, security threads and iridescent band are
incorporated.

a. Watermark—This is the silhouette of the portrait appearing on the face of the note. Sharp
details of the light-and-shadow effect can be seen when the note is viewed against the light.
The contours of the features of the silhouette can be felt only by running the fingers over the
design on relatively new notes.

b. Security fibers—These are embedded red and blue visible fibers scattered at random on both surfaces
and can be readily picked off by using any pointed instrument.
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IV. Procedure

1. Using the Naked Eye:

Study the workmanship of each denomination of genuine Bangko Sentral bank notes. One
must take note and familiarize himself or herself with the various characteristics of the following
security features:

c. Embedded security thread—This is a special thread implanted vertically off center of the note during
the paper’s manufacture. It appears as broken line for 5s, 10s, and 20s and a continuous line for 50s,
100s, 200s, 500s and 100s.

d. Windowed security thread—The narrow thread is vertically located like “stitches” on the face of the
note with “clear text” of the numerical value in repeated sequence. It changes in color from magenta to
green or green to magenta depending on the angle of view. It appears on the improved version of 100-,
500- and 1,000-peso and the new 200-peso notes.

e. Iridescent band—The band is a wide glistening gold vertical stripe with the numerical value printed in
series. This appears on the improved version of 100-, 500- and 1,000-peso and the new 200-peso notes.
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IV. Procedure
1. Using the Naked Eye:

Study the workmanship of each denomination of genuine Bangko Sentral bank notes. One
must take note and familiarize himself or herself with the various characteristics of the following
security features:

B. PRINTING—Generally, the impression of the different printed features are well-defined, sharp and
distinct. The fingers can readily feel the main prints on the front and back designs of relatively new notes
because of the measurable thickness of ink deposited on the paper.

a. Portrait—Appears life-like. The eyes sparkle. Shadings are formed by fine lines that give the portrait a
characteristic facial expression, which is extremely difficult to copy.

b. Serial number—Composed of one or two prefix letters and six to seven digits, which are clearly printed.
The letters and numerals are uniform in size and thickness, evenly spaced and well-aligned. They glow
under ultraviolet light. A bank note with six “0”-digit serial number is a specimen note and has no value as it
is not legal tender.
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IV. Procedure
1. Using the Naked Eye:

Study the workmanship of each denomination of genuine Bangko Sentral bank notes. One
must take note and familiarize himself or herself with the various characteristics of the following
security features:
B. Printing

c. Background and lacework design— The background design is made up of multicolored and well-
defined lines. The lacework design is composed of fine, web-like criss-crossing lines, which are
continuous and traceable even at the intersection.

d. Vignette—The design on the back of the note is composed of lines and dashes that are fine, distinct
and sharp. The varying color tone gives a vivid look to the picture that makes it stand out.

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IV. Procedure
1. Using the Naked Eye:

Study the workmanship of each denomination of genuine Bangko Sentral bank notes. One
must take note and familiarize himself or herself with the various characteristics of the following
security features:
C. ADD-ON SPECIAL FEATURES

a. Concealed value—Found only in the 500-peso denomination. This is located in the lower left corner of
the face of the 500-peso note and is recognizable when the note is held at eye level.

b. Optically variable ink—A special characteristic of the 1,000-peso denomination, which is also located
in the lower left corner of the face of the note. It changes color from green to blue or blue to green
when the note is held at different angles.

These security features are easily recognizable by sight and touch alone. Instruments are not necessary.
Make it a habit to feel and look at all notes being received so that the fingers and the eyes will become
familiar with the features of the genuine Bangko Sentral notes.
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IV. Procedure

1. Using a UV Light

A. The money detector’s UV light will reveal a bill’s security fibers, which will appear like
tiny neon lights. One important thing to remember is that legitimate money absorbs UV
light, so it shouldn’t appear bright or reflective under the detector.

B. Place a fake bill and a real bill side by side and note the differences

1. Using a microscope

A. Place a fake bill and a real bill side by side and note the differences

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V. Observations

Record your observations. Attach pictures if needed

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VI. Conclusion

• What are your conclusions and summaries of the experiment

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 Rubrics for Laboratory Performance

Laboratory Activity Percentage Score

Component
Attendance and Participation 50
Contents of the Laboratory 40
Report
Comprehensiveness 10
Results of the laboratory activity 10
Conclusion 10
Presentation and Creativity 10
Timeliness of Submission 10
Total 100%

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References:
1. Manabat, 2018 : Handbook / Manual in Forensic Chemistry (Revised Edition) : : Quezon City, Philippines:
Wiseman’s Book Trading, Inc.

2. Cejes and Etis, 2018: Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology: Quezon City, Philippines: ChapterHouse
Publishing Inc

3. Dascil & Santos, 2021. Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, A worktext, 3rd Edition: Quezon City,
Philippines: Wiseman’s Book Trading, Inc.

4. Garcia 2014. Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology. Intramuros, Manila, Purely Books Trading and
Publishing Corp

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