Counterfiet Essay, Research Paper
Trademark counterfeiting robs the U.S. of $200 billion
annually. It is a highly profitable tax-free cash business and it’s lining the pockets of the
same criminals involved in murder, drug trafficking, gun running and extortion.
The following information regarding the average life of a Federal Reserve Note
was provided by the Federal Reserve System – please note that the life of a note depends
on its denomination:
$ 1 ……………18 months
$ 5 ……………. 2 Years
$ 10……………. 3 Years
$ 20 ………….. 4 Years
$ 50 …………… 9 Years
$100 ……………9 Years
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produces 38 million notes a day with a face value
of approximately $541 million.
1. Portrait: The enlarged portrait of Benjamin Franklin is easier to
recognize, while the added detail is harder to duplicate. The portrait is now
off-center, providing room for a watermark and reducing wear and tear on
the portrait.
2. Concentric Fine Lines: The fine lines printed behind both Benjamin
Franklin’s portrait and Independence Hall are difficult to replicate.
3. Watermark: A watermark depicting Benjamin Franklin is visible from
both sides when held up to a light.
4. Color-Shifting Ink: The number in the lower right corner on the front of
the note looks green when viewed straight on, but appears black when
viewed at an angle.
5. Microprinting: Because they’re so small, microprinted words are hard to
replicate. On the front of the note, “USA 100″ is within the number in the
lower left corner and “United States of America” is on Benjamin Franklin’s
coat.
6. Security Thread: A polymer thread is embedded vertically in the paper
and indicates, by its unique position, the note’s denomination. The words
“USA 100″on the thread can be seen from both sides of the note when held
up to a bright light. Additionally, the thread glows red when held under an
ultraviolet light.
7. Federal Reserve Indicators: A new universal seal represents the entire
Federal Reserve System. A letter and number beneath the left serial
number identifies the issuing Federal Reserve Bank.
8. Serial Numbers: An additional letter is added to the serial number. The
unique combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the
front of the note.
9. Check Letters, Plate, and Quadrant Numbers: These markings are used
as cross-references for checking authenticity.