Reserve Bank warns on counterfeit notes in circulation

In a statement, the SA Reserve Bank noted with concern that relatively high quality counterfeit notes of the old series, that does not have the security features as listed below, have illegally come into circulation.

They advise that the Bank, together with the commercial banks, is withdrawing all old series R200 banknotes that remain in circulation. Members of the public are requested to present these banknotes for exchange at the nearest commercial bank by the end of May 2010. After this date it will only be possible to present these banknotes to the Reserve Bank Branches for exchange.


The R200 banknotes of the upgraded series bearing the signatures of former Governor, Mr T T Mboweni and current Governor, Ms G Marcus have the security features outlined below and are not affected by the current counterfeit problem. These banknotes will remain in circulation.

South Africa has a family of five banknotes, with the R200 banknote being the highest denomination. The South African public is encouraged to re-familiarise themselves with the security features on the South African banknotes and to examine them on receipt. Do not hesitate or feel embarrassed about holding a banknote up to the light. Look, feel and tilt the banknotes to ascertain the security features.

Some key features to consider:

Banknote Substrate
The special quality of banknote paper and the raised intaglio print give it a distinct feel. Unlike normal paper, banknotes have a distinct crackling sound when handled.

Coat of Arms
The South African Coat of Arms is used prominently in the front top left corner, in the iridescent band on the back, and as a holographic image in the security thread of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes.

Watermark
The watermark is smaller and the denomination numeral is added to the watermark of the main motif. When the banknote is held up to the light the watermark and the denomination numeral are visible.

Perfect registration
The upgraded banknotes reveal the denomination numeral in perfect registration on the front and back when a note is held up to the light. It does not appear blurred or obscured.

Windowed security thread
On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the thread is 4mm wide. SARB, RAND and the denomination numeral appear when held up to light and a holographic Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tilted. On the R10 and R20 banknotes the thread is 2mm wide and SARB and the denomination numeral appear in clear text.

Optically variable ink
On the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes the denomination numeral on the front bottom right is printed in colour changing ink. When the R50 and R100 banknotes are tilted, the colour changes from green to gold. On the R200 it changes from magenta to green

Latent image
When the banknote is held almost horizontally to eye level, the denomination numeral appears inside the geometric shapes.

Diamond shapes
The diamond shapes with a raised intaglio feel on the front of the banknote that assist the blind to distinguish between the denominations are as follows:
· 1 diamond for the R10,
· 2 diamonds for the R20,
· 3 diamonds for the R50,
· 4 diamonds for the R100, and
· 5 diamonds for the R200.

Different geometric shapes
These are on the front of the banknotes as an aid for the partially sighted and are as follows:
· diamond on the R10,
· square on the R20,
· circle on the R50,and
· different hexagons on the R100 and R200 respectively.

Denomination numerals
These are prominent on the front and the back of the banknotes.

Microlettering
‘South African Reserve Bank’ appears in microlettering to the right of the animal’s ear. The microlettering is printed in positive and negative text.

Unique numbering
The unique number is on the back – a vertical number on the left hand side and a horizontal number top right. The horizontal number is conical.

Iridescent band
This is a very prominent feature, in gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the denomination numeral appear.