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How to spot a counterfeit bill - Tien Nguyen

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Authentic dollar bills are equipped with many security features to make them difficult to forge. But that doesn’t stop counterfeiters from trying to fool people with fakes. Luckily, anyone can help catch a counterfeit; all you need are a few simple tools and a bit of chemistry. Tien Nguyen details the chemistry behind counterfeit cash.

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Meet The Creators

  • Educator Tien Nguyen
  • Director Lippy
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
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by TED-Ed

The government is continually coming up with anti-counterfeit measures. What are some new security features that would be cheap and easily detected? Have any creative ideas?

Comments are closed on this discussion.

Avatar for Khalie Hoyt
Lesson in progress

Using UV lights


Avatar for Maggie Sommers
Lesson in progress

its so cool when you a bill or dollar. but what if you don't have a counterfeit pen then what?


Avatar for ADITI ANNAMAREDDY
Lesson in progress

how about a microscopical drawing of a set of secret symbols corresponding to the specific value.


Avatar for raahim memon
Lesson completed

Ultra-thin chips that would send frequencies to antianti-counterfit machines


Avatar for Enoch Bennett
Lesson completed

I was going to say what Ben gorodetsky said


Avatar for claire lim
Lesson completed

Magnetic chips in the notes


Avatar for jesse burroughs
Lesson completed

hold the bill up to the light and if you see a face in the right side of the bill it is real.



Avatar for Bower Power
Lesson in progress

in response to Patrick Cassat Show comment

simple get people to not use counterfit


Avatar for Patrick Cassat
Lesson completed

use sensors to detect money when given to important businesses.

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