Tools and Magnifiers Used by Currency Collectors
Optical Tool Store
One of the most essential tools for collectors is a quality magnifier. They are the primary tool for examining condition and authenticity of collectibles. For general stamp and coin collecting, a magnification level of 5x to 10x is suitable for basic purposes of grading, inspecting watermarks, and distinguishing printing methods. For inspecting security feature microprinting as used often on stamps, you will want 10x or more magnification. A measuring scale included in your magnifier may be desired at times for error and counterfeit and forgery detection.
SHINNING A LIGHT ON COUNTERFEIT PROTECTION
Counterfeit and altered banknotes are a currency collector's dread. The response of modern printers to this peril is the increasing use of security printing techniques to prevent tampering or counterfeiting and safeguard the legitimate production of currency by incorporating details into banknotes that are not easily replicated by counterfeiters. Continue reading below
A key element of security printing that is very beneficial to the modern banknote collector is the application of luminescence detectable as a glow under ultraviolet lighting. For this reason, UV Lights are becoming an essential tool of banknote collectors.
Without getting too technical, Luminescence is the emission of radiation by an atom or molecule when transitioning from a higher to a lower state of energy. In order to gain a higher state of energy an atom or a molecule absorbs energy through the “excitation” process. The most widely used fluorescent security products emit light in the visible spectrum when excited with longwave ultraviolet radiation.
Fluorescence, in which excitation makes features visible during exposure to ultraviolet lighting, and phosphorescence, in which excitation continues after exposure to ultraviolet lighting has ceased, are the types of luminescence generally used for security features in paper currency.
Exposed under a UV light, fluorescent ink can reveal words, patterns or pictures that may be visible or invisible under normal lighting. For instance, some security fibers are invisible in white light, but they fluoresce under ultraviolet lighting. Detectible luminesce is incorporated into banknotes through one of three mediums:
In US banknotes, fluorescence is added to the security strip built into the paper. An interesting aspect of US Federal Reserve Notes is that they have a consistent, intrinsic fluorescence lifetime. This allows for detection of counterfeit paper money because of significant differences in the amount of time that security features fluoresce when compared to genuine paper money. In US notes, fluorescence is added to the security strip built into the paper.
Further to the intricacies found in U.S. Banknotes, in 1996, the US Federal Reserve Notes underwent a redesign that incorporated a new ultraviolet fluorescent compound into the security strips. This compound, when exposed to ultraviolet light, produces a unique color for each denomination. In the realm of modern world banknotes, currencies have incorporated fluorescent elements in myriad, increasingly complex ways. Taking the scope beyond security, many hidden security features enhance the beauty of the banknotes when revealed under a UV Light.
Example #1 of this source of joy for collectors is the"Golden Dragon," a particular variety of the Chinese Pick #884 banknote. When exposed to UV lighting, "scales" across the surface of the banknote glow a bright golden color; by contrast, in other varieties of the Pick #884, those areas remain dull when exposed to ultraviolet light. It is not clear if this is a phenomenon resulting from the printing process or an obscure security feature, but what is clear is that the hidden design makes this an enticing piece for many collectors. The Philalux - UV Longwave and Shortwave Lamp with Built-in Magnifiers is a complete longwave, shortwave, and magnification desktop unit is the ultimate collectors tool for enjoyment of a banknotes intricate beauty and for safeguarding against counterfeits and alterations,
Ink - a fluorescent or phosphorescent ink can be made by mixing a luminescent pigment with a binding agent.
Fibers - the luminescent pigment can be attached to a polymer to make fibers.
Grains - the luminescent pigment can be used as grains that are mixed into the paper pulp.
This top-of-the-line professional grade tool reduces the dread of counterfeit currency entering your collection while allowing for enjoyment of the hidden highlights of the modern banknote artistry and design.
