Glossary of the Security Features Used of Banknotes

Watermark — image in paper created during the process of paper formation by modification its density and thickness in particular areas. While observing it in the transmitting light the thicker areas look darker than thinner ones.

• local (pic. 1.1) — watermark located in a particular area of a banknote
• strip (pic. 1.2) — identical watermarks located one above the other along the narrow side of a banknote
• general — identical watermarks located over the whole surface of a banknote

Security thread — narrow polymer strip embedded into paper during paper formation process.

• continuous (pic. 2.1) — security thread entirely embedded into paper
• window (pic. 2.2) — security thread partly embedded into paper with some areas surfacing at regular pace

Microprint — printed image or text visible only with magnifying device.

• microtext (pic. 3.1) — text visible when observed with magnifying device. The text can be positive as well as negative
• micropattern (pic. 3.2) — pattern consisting of densely located fine lines and geometrical elements. When copied it turns out as distorted image of original pattern or an absolutely new image

Latent image (KIPP effect, PEAK etc.) — image made by intaglio printing and observed while looking at a banknote at a particular angle.

See through register — elements of design printed on both sides of a banknote that register perfectly when observed in transmitting light.

Optically variable devices — group security devices that display shift of color or become visible when observed at different angles.

• optically variable ink (OVI^®) (pic. 6.1) — ink that displays shift of color when observed at different angles
• iridescent ink (pic. 6.2) — ink that displays a rainbow effect when observed at different angles
• optical security device (OSD) (pic. 6.3) — a reflective film composed of very thin layers of metallic and ceramic materials that changes color when observed at different angles

Diffractive Optically Variable Image Device (DOVID) — a group of anticoping devices that are based on the phenomenon of light diffraction (Hologram, Kinegram, Gyrogram etc.). DOVIDs are usually used in a form of patch or strip stamped to paper. It displays replacement of one rainbow image with another when the angle of observation is changes.

Foil stamping — metallized film or foil stamped to paper with overprinted image or text.

Shadow image — image that visible when a banknote observed in transmitting light. It is used on polymer banknotes only as a analogue of watermark on paper.

Clear window — a transparent area of a banknote. The window can have blind embossing image or posses some optical properties. It is used on polymer banknotes only.

Blind embossing — colorless relief printing. Image made by this technique becomes visible at oblique angle.

Metallic ink — ink that produces the image with metallic gloss.

STRAP (System of Transparent Reflection Against Photocoping) — wide polymer strip with alternated metallized and demetallized areas.

Microperf — image made of numerous microholes in paper that becomes visible in transmitting light.

MVC (Moire Variable Color) — rainbow effect appearing on monochromic field when a banknote is tilted.