FT-IR Spectroscopy as a discrimination Method for establishing Authenticity of Euro Banknotes

The number of counterfeit banknotes in the world is increasing every year. Since it is much easier to forge banknote with a similar visual characteristic as the original than to produce a banknote with the identical chemical composition as the original, FT-IR spectroscopy is great solution for the genuine validation. The paper will look at the similarities and differences between counterfeit and original banknotes with respect to the materials used. The emphasis will be on euro banknotes; therefore, the characteristic areas of the recorded spectra will be adjusted to the security elements of the given currency. The paper confirmed that FTIR spectroscopy is a suitable method for non-destructive measurements and allows for easy identification of counterfeits