US 20 dollars banknote - types and security features

Twenty Dollars Federal Reserve Note series 1928, 1934

On the face of the banknotes of series 1928 and 1928A as distinct of the banknote shown the number of Federal Reserve District is printed in the center of the Federal Reserve Bank Seal;

Payment inscription over the Seal done in four lines and reads: "REDEEMABLE IN GOLD ON DEMAND AT THE UNITED STATES TREASURY, OR IN GOLD OR LAWFUL MONEY AT ANY FEDERAL RESERVE BANK".

On the back of the banknotes of 1928, 1928A, 1928B, 1928C, 1934, 1934A, 1934B series the White House shown on smaller scale.

Banknotes of 1934C series issued in two types — with a picture of the White House on the back on smaller and larger scale.

Main security features of the banknote

Security fibers:

The paper contains imbedded in a chaotic manner red and blue security fibers.

Magnetic security:

The black ink used for intaglio printing on the face contains ferro-magnetic component.

Paper: light yellow, with security fibers.

Printing methods: intaglio:

On the face — all pictures except serial numbers, and U.S. Treasury Seal;

Letterpress:

On the face — serial numbers, U.S. Treasury Seal. 

Twenty Dollars Federal Reserve Note series 1950

Main security features of the banknote

1,2.  Intaglio:

light-colored parts of the laser work on the face and on the back contain black or dark-green small stretched pointed elements repeated in other places: on the face — near figures "20" in corners of the frame, on the back — in its lower part.

In counterfeits, these small elements have rounded tips, uneven contours, different forms and disposition.

Security fibers:

The paper contains imbedded in a chaotic manner red and blue security fibers.

Magnetic security:

The black ink used for intaglio printing on the face contains ferro-magnetic component.

Paper: light yellow, with security fibers.

Printing methods: intaglio:

On the face — all pictures, except serial numbers, U.S. Treasury Seal, Federal Reserve Bank Seal and index numbers, year of issue, facsimile of official signatures;

On the back — all pictures;

Letterpress:

On the face — serial numbers, U.S. Treasury Seal, Seal and 4 index numbers of the Federal Reserve Bank, year of issue, facsimile of official signatures.

Twenty Dollars Federal Reserve Note series 1963

Main security features of the banknote

1,2.  Intaglio:

Light-colored parts ot the laser work on the face and on the back contain back or dark-green small stretched pointed elements repeated in other places: on the face — near figures "20" in corners of the frame, on the back — in its lower part.

In counterfeits, these small elements have rounded tips, uneven contours, different forms and disposition.

Security fibers:

The paper contains imbedded in a chaotic manner red and blue security fibers.

Magnet security:

The black ink used for intaglio printing on the face contains ferro-magnetic component.

Paper: light yellow, with security fibers.

Printing methods: intaglio:

On the face — all pictures except serial numbers,

U.S. Treasury Seal, Federal Reserve Bank Seal and index numbers, year of issue, facsimile of official signatures;

On the back — all pictures;

Letterpress:

On the face — serial numbers, U.S. Treasury Seal, Seal and 4 index numbers of the Federal Reserve Bank, year of issue, facsimile of official signatures.

Twenty Dollars Federal Reserve Note series 1969-1988

Main security features of the banknote

1,2.  Intaglio:

light-colored parts of the laser work on the face and on the back contain black or dark-green small stretched pointed elements repeated in other places: on the face — near figures "20" in corners of the frame, on the back — in its lower part.

In counterfeits, these small elements have rounded tips, uneven contours, different forms and disposition.

3. Magnetic security:

The black ink used for intaglio printing on the face contains ferro-magnetic component.

In banknotes of series 1988 some parts of pictures made in intaglio does not contain ferro-magnetic component. Fragments of the pictures obtaining magnetic properties shown on the fig. 3. Boundaries of the fragments may be 2-3 mm moved comparing with the ones shown. There may be found such genuine banknotes with ferromagnetic component in smaller quantities present where it should not exist. Hence, many automatic currency detectors identify these banknotes as forgeries.

Security fibers:

The paper contains imbedded in a chaotic manner red and blue security fibers.

Paper: light yellow, with security fibers.

Printing methods: intaglio:

On the face — all pictures except serial numbers, U.S. Treasury Seal, Federal Reserve Bank Seal and index numbers;

On the back — all pictures;

Letterpress:

On the face — serial-numbers, U.S. Treasury Seal, Seal and four index numbers of the Federal Reserve Bank.

Twenty Dollars Federal Reserve Note series 1990-1995

Main security features of the banknote

1. Security thread:

The transparent polymer stripe imbedded into the paper with text "...USA TWENTY..." in direct and overturned image.

2. Microprinting:

External oval lines around the portrait formed by continuously repeated text "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA".

3,4.  Intaglio:

Light-colored parts of the laser work on the face and on the back contain black or dark-green small stretched pointed elements repeated in other places: on the face — near figures "20" in corners of the frame, on the back — in its lower part.

In counterfeits, these small elements have rounded tips, uneven contours, different forms and disposition.

5. Magnetic security:

The black ink used for printing on the face contains ferro-magnetic component. Fragments of the pictures obtaining magnetic properties shown. Boundaries of the fragments may be 2-3 mm moved comparing with the ones shown on the fig. 5. There may be found such genuine banknotes with ferro-magnetic component in smaller quantities present where it should not exist. Hence, many automatic currency detectors identify these banknotes as forgeries.

Security fibers:

The paper contains imbedded in a chaotic manner red and blue security fibers.

Paper: light yellow, with security thread and fibers.

Printing methods: intaglio:

On the face — all pictures except serial numbers, U.S. Treasury Seal, Federal Reserve Bank Seal and index numbers;

On the back — all pictures;

Letterpress:

On the face — serial numbers, U.S. Treasury Seal, Seal and 4 index numbers of the Federal Reserve Bank.

Twenty Dollars Federal Reserve Note series 1996

Main security features of the banknote

1. Watermark:

Multitoned portrait of A. Jackson, repeating portrait on the face of the banknote on a smaller scale.

2. Security thread:

transparent polymer stripe with the metallic text "USA TWENTY" (2.1) and micro picture of the USA flag with number "20" (2.2) in direct and overturned image when viewed against the light; under ultraviolet light it appears in yellow-green both on the face and on the back.

3. Micro printing:

Digits of the number "20" filled up with inclined columns formed by horizontal strokes with micro text "USA20" (3.1);

On the left and the right lower parts of the oval with portrait there is twice repeated inscription "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" (3.2);

On the face frame the light segments of laser work horizontal stripes contain black small stretched and pointed elements (3.3), which are distorted and have rounded tips as well as rough outlines, other forms and dispositions when reproduced in counterfeit banknotes.

4. Optically variable ink:

The number "20" changes its color from green to dark purple.

5. Magnetic security:

Fragments of the pictures made by intaglio printing and possessing ferro-magnetic properties shown dark in fig. 5. Boundaries of fragments may be 2-3 mm shifted comparing with the ones shown.

Security fibers:

The paper contains imbedded in a chaotic manner blue and red security fibers.