Security features of the €20 banknote, first series Counterfeit detection

Front side
Back to overview

Please touch the security features with the mouse.

Rückseite einer 20-Euro-Banknote See Through Watermark Security thread Glossy stripe Auxiliary tool infrared light (IR) Auxiliary tool ultraviolet light (UV) Microlettering
See Through
See Through

When you hold the banknote against the light, the incomplete lines of the front and reverse side add to the value numeral 20 in mirror writing. This effect can be seen from the front side in normal writing.

Watermark
Watermark

When you hold the banknote against the light, the value numeral 20 in mirror writing in the watermark is brighter than the surrounding paper. There is no dark outline around the numeral. When you lay down the banknote on a dark surface, the value numeral 20 appears to be darker than the surrounding paper. This effect can be seen from the front side laterally reversed.

Security thread
Security thread

The security thread can be seen as a dark line in the middle third of the banknote. In the security thread 20 EURO in small letters and 20 in microletters, alternating in normal writing and mirror writing

Glossy stripe
Glossy stripe

Depending on the viewing angle, the glossy stripe appears golden or is nearly invisible.

Auxiliary tool infrared light (IR)
Auxiliary tool infrared light (IR)

Using a IR display unit, the banknote number in the upper right part of the banknote can be read. The rest of the motif nearly is invisible

Auxiliary tool ultraviolet light (UV)
Auxiliary tool ultraviolet light (UV)

The paper is dull, the map, the bridge and further elements glow green or yellow. Fibers embedded in the paper glow in green, red and blue. The watermark is not visible

Microlettering
Microlettering

At several places of the banknote motif, there is microlettering, which looks pin sharp even under a magnifying glass.