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the same procedure that removes the ink from a polymer bank note not only removes the ink from a paper bank note, but seriously damages or destroys the paper substrate itself. Examples of such notes (on polymer) include Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.
If you suspect that you have
encountered such a note, I would suggest you to do the following:
(a) look for intaglio/raised printing marks: embossing/indentation should be visible if you hold the note to the light; if you see some light (colourless) images on the note (where the raised printing should be), it is an indication that the bank note went through the intaglio printing machine, but either received no ink, or, more likely, the ink has been removed;
(b) look for serial numbers:
where the serial numbers should appear, embossing/indentation should be visible
if you hold the note to the light; again, the bank note could have gone through
the serial numbering machine, but received no ink, or, more likely, the ink has
been removed;
(c) look for serial numbers
under UV light: certain polymer bank notes have so-called penetrating serial
numbers (they cannot be removed without seriously damaging the polymer
substrate); if you see no serial number under normal lighting, examine the note
under the UV light, and the serial number might appear, indicating that it has
been removed; not all bank notes have penetrating serial numbers (or only have
one of the two serial numbers penetrating)-compare with another note to make
sure;
(d) look at the surface of the
note under a magnification: scratches might be seen on what should normally be a
smooth surface (scratches could result from circulation/mishandling as well).
When buying error bank notes,
it is very useful if you are familiar with the production process of bank notes.
I have seen error notes that could not possibly be created by the printer or
would require an unimaginable set of technical difficulties and lack of all
quality controls for the printer to produce them. Still, people were paying over
$1000 for such manufactured and worthless notes.
My advice? Buy from reputable dealers and ask for expert advice.
WEBMASTER'S NOTE: To obtain more information concerning counterfeit and altered
Polymer notes be sure to visit Stane Straus' website on this subject at
www.polymernotes.org/other_general/warning.htm, or for information in general about Polymer notes visit his webpage
Polymer Bank Notes of the World
Thus far these types of "errors" have shown up in the markets in Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. With money to be made by this type of fraud we are likely to see this type of "errors" showing up in other countries such as in Africa, and Latin America or any country which has, or plans to introduce Polymer Notes.
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