Complete Guide to Renminbi Anti-Counterfeiting Features: 6 Key Points including Watermark, Color-Shifting | Gu Jin Jian Bao

The anti-counterfeiting technology of the Renminbi has evolved over generations, from the simple watermark of the first series to the color-shifting ink, security thread, and intaglio printing of the fifth series – each generation boasting unique identification features. For collectors, mastering these anti-counterfeiting features is the first line of defense in determining the authenticity of banknotes. Below, we illustrate 6 main anti-counterfeiting techniques one by one.

6 Key Anti-Counterfeiting Features at a Glance

Feature 1: Watermark (Most Basic Anti-Counterfeiting)

Principle

A watermark is a pattern pressed into the paper during the papermaking process using a special mold when the pulp solidifies. The resulting feature: variations in fiber distribution within the paper, creating a three-dimensional effect when light shines through.

Watermarks of Each Renminbi Series

• Third Series: Simpler patterns (national emblem, wheat ears, five-pointed star, etc.)
• Fourth Series: Intricate patterns (Mao Zedong portrait, Great Wall, Great Hall of the People, etc.)
• Fifth Series: Mao Zedong portrait watermark (extremely fine details)

Identification Method

• Hold the banknote up to a light source (window or lamp), the watermark should be visible in three dimensions.
• Use a 10x magnifying glass to examine the paper structure; genuine watermarks are formed by variations in fiber distribution within the paper.
• Counterfeit notes often have printed watermarks, which are flat and lack the texture of paper fibers.

Feature 2: Security Thread

Principle

A security thread is a metallic or plastic strip embedded in the paper during the papermaking process. Method of formation: special thread embedded before the pulp solidifies.

Evolution of Security Threads

• Third Series (1962-1987): No security thread
• Early Fourth Series (1980-1990): No security thread
• Late Fourth Series (1990-1999): With metallic security thread (thin black strip)
• Fifth Series (after 1999): With visible + holographic security thread (color-shifting, with microtext)

Identification Method

• Hold up to light, the security thread should appear as a continuous black line.
• Using a 10x magnifying glass, the fifth series security thread should have microtext like"RMB100"or similar.
• Counterfeit notes often have printed security threads, lacking three-dimensionality and color-shifting effects.
• Lightly touch the surface with your finger; genuine security threads have a slightly raised feel.

Feature 3: Color-shifting Ink

Principle

Color-shifting ink changes color when viewed from different angles. Principle: the ink contains interference pigments that reflect different wavelengths of light at different angles.

Location and Color Change

• Fifth Series 100 Yuan: The"100"in the lower right corner changes from green to blue.
• Fifth Series 50 Yuan: The"50"in the lower right corner changes from gold to green.
• Late Fourth Series: Some versions have metallic luster ink (not true color-shifting).

Identification Method

• Tilt the banknote and observe the color change of the denomination in the lower right corner.
• Genuine notes show distinct and pure color changes.
• Counterfeit notes often use ordinary ink, showing no color change or indistinct color change when tilted.

Feature 4: Intaglio Printing

Principle

Intaglio printing involves engraving a pattern onto a metal plate, filling the grooves with ink, and then pressing it onto the paper. The resulting feature: a three-dimensional tactile relief on the surface of the banknote.

Application Locations

• Portraits (Mao Zedong portrait)
• Main motifs (buildings, landscapes)
• Large denomination numbers
• Border decorations

Identification Method

• Lightly touch the surface with your fingernail; genuine notes have a slightly raised feel (a characteristic of intaglio printing).
• Using a 10x magnifying glass, the lines are deep and have a three-dimensional quality.
• Counterfeit notes are often printed using flat offset printing, with a smooth surface and lacking the tactile relief.
• Lightly rub the surface with a tissue; genuine intaglio ink will not smudge.

Feature 5: Red and Blue Fibers

Principle

Red and blue fibers are colored short fibers (red, blue) embedded in the paper, randomly distributed across the entire banknote.

Identification Method

• Using a 10x magnifying glass, you can see tiny red and blue fibers on the paper surface.
• Genuine fibers are embedded in the paper (if you pick them with a needle, you'll find the fibers are inside the paper).
• Counterfeit notes often have printed"fake fibers"that are flat and can be rubbed off.
• Under UV light (blacklight), genuine red and blue fibers will fluoresce.

Feature 6: Magnetic Ink

Principle

The ink in certain areas of the fifth series Renminbi, such as Mao Zedong's portrait and denomination, contains magnetic material and can be detected by a magnetic detector.

Application Locations

• Mao Zedong's portrait
• Large denomination numbers (100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1)
• Main motif on the reverse (Great Hall of the People, Potala Palace, etc.)

Identification Method

• Test with a magnetic detector (counterfeit detector machine).
• Genuine notes show a clear magnetic reaction.
• Counterfeit notes often lack magnetism or have weak magnetism.

30-Second Quick Home Identification Method

Step 1: Hold to Light (10 seconds)

Hold the banknote up to a light source:

• The watermark should be visibly three-dimensional (Mao Zedong portrait or other patterns).
• The security thread should appear as a continuous black line.

Step 2: Tilt (10 seconds)

Tilt the banknote at different angles:

• The denomination in the lower right corner should show a color-shifting effect (fifth series).
• The security thread should show color change or microtext.

Step 3: Touch (10 seconds)

Lightly touch the surface with your fingernail:

• The portrait and large denomination numbers should have a slight tactile relief (intaglio printing).
• The surface should not be overly smooth (counterfeit notes often use offset printing).

Typical Counterfeit Characteristics of Each Renminbi Series

Third Series RenminbiCounterfeits

The anti-counterfeiting features of the third series are relatively simple, leading to more counterfeits. Common issues:

• Blurred or absent watermark (printed fake watermark).
• Paper too thick or too thin (counterfeit paper struggles to replicate original thickness).
• Color deviation from the original (especially rare editions like the"green back with watermark"and"worker-peasant two yuan").
• Uneven cutting edges (counterfeit notes use crude cutting tools).

Fourth Series Renminbi Counterfeits

The anti-counterfeiting features of the fourth series are moderate. Common issues:

• Security thread is printed, not embedded (most common).
• Watermark lacks sufficient detail.
• No tactile intaglio printing feel.
• Incorrect serial numbers (counterfeit serial numbers are often fabricated).

Fifth Series Renminbi Counterfeits

The fifth series has the strongest anti-counterfeiting features, making counterfeits less common but more sophisticated. Common issues:

• Color-shifting ink changes indistinctly or to the wrong color.
• Weak or absent magnetic reaction.
• Holographic security thread lacks microtext.
• Mao Zedong watermark details are missing.

What to Do if You Suspect You Have Counterfeit Renminbi at Home?

1. Refer to the 6 major anti-counterfeiting features in this article for an initial assessment.
2. Use a counterfeit detector machine to test for magnetism and color-shifting ink.
3. Use a 10x magnifying glass to carefully examine the watermark, security thread, and red and blue fibers.
4. If it is a counterfeit currency in circulation, it must be reported to the bank and public security authorities (possessing and circulating counterfeit currency is illegal).
5. If it is a collectible banknote (first, second, or third series retired banknotes), WhatsApp 98342057 to schedule a free appraisal with Gujin Jianbao.

Conclusion

The 6 major anti-counterfeiting features of the Renminbi reflect the continuous evolution of China's banknote printing technology. Mastering these features not only helps you identify fakes but also deepens your understanding of banknote collecting. The 30-second quick identification method + professional appraisal for ultimate assurance form a dual line of defense for collectors. WhatsApp 98342057 to schedule a free banknote appraisal with Gujin Jianbao.