banknote: front![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
A banknote is paper currency issued by a country’s central bank or by an economic community.
serial number ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Each banknote is identified by a unique combination of numbers and letters.
watermark ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
A feature to prevent counterfeiting; an image that is visible in transmitted light is incorporated into the paper.
portrait ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Portrait of a famous person such as a prime minister, president, king or queen that appears on a banknote.
color shifting ink ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
A feature to prevent counterfeiting; a special ink is used that changes color when viewed from various angles.
official signature ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Banknotes are signed by people such as the central bank’s governor (Canada) or president (EU) or the Secretary of the Treasury (U.S.).
security thread ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
A feature to prevent counterfeiting; a dark line that is visible in transmitted light is inserted into the paper.
hologram foil strip ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
A feature to prevent counterfeiting; the image on the strip changes when the banknote is tilted.
initials of the issuing bank ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)