$100 Canada polymer security features

The new Canada $100 polymer notes contain a number of unique features that expand the frontiers of bank note security and will make them difficult to counterfeit but easy to check. Most prominent are two transparent areas: the larger area extends from the top to the bottom of the note and contains complex holographic features; the other is in the shape of a maple leaf. You can check the notes using Feel, Look and Flip method. Here are the explanation on the innovative security features and design of the new $100 polymer note. You can also watch the video by Bank of Canada official Youtube.

Picture by Star

Feel

1. Raised ink

Feel the raised ink on the shoulders of the large portrait, the large number, and the words “Bank of Canada” and “Banque du Canada.”

Look

2. Large window

Look for transparency through the large window containing a metallic portrait and building.

3. Metallic portrait

Look at the details in the metallic portrait in the large window. It matches the large portrait.

4. Metallic building

Look at the details in the metallic building in the large window. Tilt the note to see sharp colour changes in the building.

5. Small numbers

Look at the numbers in and around the large window that match the value of the note. Some of the numbers appear in reverse.

6. Transparent text

Look at the word “Canada.” It is transparent and feels slightly raised.

7. Maple leaf border

Look at the maple leaves that border the large window. Some of the leaves cross into the window.

8. Frosted maple leaf window

Look at the frosted maple leaf window to see that it has a transparent outline.

Flip

Flip the note to see the features in the large window repeated in the same colours and detail on the other side.

Added Security

9. Hidden numbers

The hidden numbers are a security feature that you can use to further verify your note, with the aid of an eye-safe single-point light source. This feature allows you to verify a bank note using many commonly available single-point light sources, such as pot lights and household (incandescent) light bulbs. No light source should be pointed directly at the eye at close range, and dangerous sources of light, such as the sun, laser lights and many LEDs, should never be used to view the feature. Place the frosted maple leaf window close to your eye. Look through the frosted maple leaf window at an eye-safe single- point light source. See a circle of numbers matching the note’s value appear through the frosted maple leaf window.

Source: Bank of Canada