The Central Bank of Nigeria has released 23 security features of the newly released N1,000 note, 15 security features of the N500 note and 10 security features of the resigned N200 note.
According to the CBN, the aim of the security features is to aid in the easy identification of fake notes, which include touch, visibility, the security thread and the watermark.
Other areas such as the portrait, lettering and the denominational numerals on the obverse and reverse of the notes are embossed.
A soft texture and dull image are indicators of fake naira. That means one should be sensitive to the touch of the banknote when carrying out a transaction.
For the N1,000 notes, the apex bank stated that users should look out for intaglio raised print, portrait watermark, officially variable ink that changes from blue to green with a 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 gold foil on the right side close to the CBN governor’s signature is also an important feature to watch out for.
Also, a fake currency can easily change colour when one applies liquid to the note.
Another feature is the ribbon-like thread on all Naira notes. It can be observed and touched to confirm if the note is genuine or otherwise.
One can also raise a naira note on a mercury bulb. This exercise enables one to see many features of the local currency, not visible to the naked eye, among others.
The Naira notes are also protected against photocopying.
There are also features which are visible under ultraviolet light; for example, the serial number on each banknote is black but turns green under ultraviolet light.
The N200 notes have several security features like 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 a change in angle of view, gold patch with embossed Coat of Arms, see through printing in register and raised intaglio print.
The N500 notes have security features like 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 a change in angle of view, silver patch with embossed Coat of Arms, see through printing in register and raised intaglio print.