Question: What should financial institutions know about the new five dollar bill to ensure counterfeit currency is not being used?
Answer: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing released the new $5 bill last week. The most noticeable difference in the new design is the introduction of subtle background colors This change makes it more burdensome for potential counterfeiters to replicate because it adds a heightened complexity to the note. Despite this addition, the redesigned note preserves the distinct size, look and feel of traditional American currency.
Institutions should check for the following features:
Watermark A large number 5 watermark is located to the right of the portrait and a column of three smaller 5s has been added, positioned to the left of the portrait.
Security Thread To the right of the portrait, the letters USA followed by the number 5 in an alternating pattern are visible along the thread from both sides of the bill. The embedded security thread glows blue when held under ultraviolet light.
Symbols of Freedom The Great Seal of the United States, featuring an eagle and shield, is printed in purple to the right of the portrait of President Lincoln. An arc of purple stars surrounds the portrait and The Great Seal.
Color There is light purple in the center of the bill, which blends into gray near the edges. Small yellow 5s are printed to the left of the portrait on the front of the bill and to the right of the Lincoln Memorial vignette on the back.
Portrait and Vignette The oval borders around President Lincolns portrait on the front and the Lincoln Memorial vignette on the back have been removed. The portrait has been moved up and the shoulders have been extended into the border. Engraving details have been added to the vignette, framing the Lincoln Memorial against a sky full of clouds.
Micro-printing Micro-printing can be found in three areas on the front of the bill, and in one area on the back.
Low-Vision Feature The most obvious change, there is an easier-to-read numeral on the lower right corner on the back of the note printed in high-contrast purple ink.
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 letters and numbers appears twice on the face of the note. The left serial number has shifted slightly to the right, compared with the previous design.
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