The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday underlined security elements in the notes in order to reiterate the security of the redesigned naira notes.
The apex bank identified security characteristics and peculiarities that clearly distinguish the new naira notes and render them inviolable to forgery in a showcase.
At least 23 security measures were present on the N1,000 note, 15 characteristics were present on the N500 note, and 10 features were present on the N200 note.
The release of the demonstrative naira notes with marked security features followed reports that counterfeits of the new naira notes were already in circulation, few days after the official rollout.
According to the apex bank, to recognise the N1,000 notes, users should look out for intaglio raised print, portrait watermark, officially variable ink that changes from blue to green with change in angle of view, kinegram with the image of N1,000 and Coat of Arms, iridescent band, windowed metallic security thread and see through printing in register.
The security features on N500 notes included hand-engraved portrait, windowed metallic security thread with CBN inscription, CBN 500 watermark, portrait watermark, officially variable ink that changes from blue to green with change in angle of view, silver patch with embossed Coat of Arms, see through printing in register and raised intaglio print.
Also, the N200 has several security features including hand-engraved portrait, windowed metallic security thread with CBN inscription, CBN 200 watermark, portrait watermark, officially variable ink that changes from blue to green with change in angle of view, gold patch with embossed Coat of Arms, see through printing in register and raised intaglio print.
Aside, these features, there are also other five simple signs on a Naira note that will help holders of the currency to differentiate a counterfeit Naira from a genuine one.
The first step to identifying a genuine banknote from the counterfeit is to check the texture. Findings showed that a soft texture and dull image are indicators of a fake naira. That means one should be sensitive to the touch of the banknote when carrying out a transaction.
Citizens should also observe the gold foil on the right side, close to the CBN governor’s signature. One can also differentiate the genuine naira note from counterfeit by applying liquid to the note, and a fake currency can easily change colour.
Also, the ribbon-like thread on all Naira notes can also be observed and touched to confirm if the note is genuine or otherwise.
One can also raise a naira notes on a mercury bulb. This exercise enables the one to see many features of the local currency, not visible to the naked eyes, among others.
