CATEGORY:SPECIAL REPORT
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By Team Grenada
Inside Grenada
Wednesday December 20,2006


ST. ANDREW’S, Grenada: It has been brought to the attention of Grenadian Connection (GC) that there are counterfeit EC $5.00 notes in circulation in various parts of the country.

The Christmas season is known to be a very busy time of year and is associated with an increase in economic activity. Because of this, some persons may see this period as presenting an ideal opportunity for them to illegally dispose of counterfeit currency. Cashiers, bus drivers and people in general, need to be careful when taking money from other persons, especially at night time.

The following information, obtained from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, deals with the security features on the EC bank notes that one should look for in order to determine whether a bank note is legitimate or not:


1. See-through Feature
On all of the banknotes, there are fish in the bottom left hand corner on the front of the notes. When the notes are held up to the light, parts of the fish fill in, as areas on the back of the note line up perfectly with the front.

2. Bar codes
All of the banknotes carry barcodes, which are individually configured to enable machine readability for notes from different member territories.

3. Watermark
There is a watermark depicting Queen Elizabeth II on each of the notes. The mould-made watermark appears three-dimensional when the note is held up to the light.

4. Novel Numbering
Each individual banknote bears a unique serial number, which is printed vertically on the left hand side of the note, and in “novel” numbering style on the right hand side.

5. Security Thread
The security thread has been upgraded. When the banknote is viewed from the front under reflected UV light, the letters ECCB and the denominational value of the note are clearly visible in yellow, against a blue background. A second security thread has also been added. This is a narrow, continuous black line, to the left of the Queen's portrait.

6. Electrotype
The electrotype reads "ECCB" and enhances the visibility and security of the traditional mould-made watermark.

7. Intaglio Over Foil
The notes bear a highly reflective foil, which shows the denomination. The letters ECCB and the denomination can be seen in small print around the foil. The presence of intaglio enhances the security of the notes.

8. Silver Metallic Ink
A compass rose is printed in silver coloured ink on the back of the notes. The ink gives a metallic lustre to the image, and enhances its appearance.

9. Iridescent print
On the back of the notes, there is an area printed with a special iridescent ink, which has a golden sheen. If you move the note around in the light, you can see the image of several fishes which appear and disappear depending on the angle of view.