1. United States Currency
‘Supernote’ Overview

2. Briefing Topics: Background on genuine U.S. currency
What is “Supernote”?
Production Similarities to Genuine U.S. currency
Defects associated with Supernote
Investigative/Suppression Strategy
Investigative Concerns, Issues and BGS support

3. Genuine U.S. Currency

4. Genuine U.S. Currency
$870 billion banknotes (genuine) in circulation worldwide
2/3 of all U.S. banknotes (genuine) circulate overseas
3/4 of all $100 banknotes circulate overseas

5. Intaglio Press
at US Treasury’s
Bureau of
Engraving &
Printing (BEP)

6. Typographic Press
at B E P

7. US Banknote Security Features
Paper – pure cotton, texture/synthetic mix
Crane & Company exclusive security paper supplier since 1879
Optical variable ink w/colors
Fluorescent fibers
Magnetic threads
Intaglio printing press
Holographic labels/threads
Mould watermarks/color pigment/artwork
Multi-color security lines, micro threads

8. What is “Supernote”?

9. What is Supernote? First Detected in 1989 – Philippines
“Supernote” is a family of superior quality counterfeit notes
First Detected in 1989 – Philippines
$63 Million in worldwide activity to date (4/09)
Average: $3.2 Million per year
The USSS refers to Supernote
as the C & C families
Older style “small heads”
Newer style “big heads”
The family is composed of 20 forensically and/or investigatively allied counterfeit notes

10. Supernote: Production & Similarities to Genuine

11. How is Supernote Printed?
The manufacturers of Supernote use the same printing methods as the U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing in the printing of genuine U.S. currency.
Printed on reverse engineered paper:
Similar in composition to genuine U.S. currency paper
Security features within paper:
Red & blue security fibers,
Embeded security thread
(red under UV)
Watermark is present within
Inks & design difference?

12. Supernote: Via Transmitted Light
Security
Strip
Red & Blue
Security Fibers
Security
Watermark

14. Genuine
Security Thread
Counterfeit
Security Thread

15. Genuine
Security Thread
Counterfeit
Security Thread

16. Genuine
Watermark
Counterfeit
Watermark

17. Supernote: Forensic Design/Ink Defects

18. Supernote Defects
The “N” Defect
C-21555, C-22485, C-22500, C-22865

19. Genuine
Counterfeit

20. The “Cellar Door” Defect
Supernote Defects
C-21555, C-22485, C-22500, C-22865
The “Cellar Door” Defect

21. Genuine
(very faint)
Counterfeit
(very defined)

22. USSS forensic website BGS HK/FRA/UK www.usdollars.usss.gov

23. Smuggling methods for $100 Supernote

24. Methods to Import Counterfeit

25. Methods to Import Counterfeit1 2 4 3

26. Methods to Import Counterfeit1 2 3

27. Methods to Import Counterfeit1 2 4 3

28. Investigative Initiatives & Concerns…

29. Initiatives & Concerns:
Quality vs. Quantity
Detection Challenges
Investigative Challenges / State Sponsorship

30. Questions/ Discussion…