We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Economy

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Supernote?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 17,247
Share

A supernote is a counterfeit version of American currency which is so skillfully produced that it is difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Supernotes are extremely frustrating for businesses which handle American currency, especially since these bills cannot be detected using most basic anti-counterfeiting methods, such as specialized pens or the old retail trick of rubbing a nail along the portrait to check for the distinctive raised print of a real American banknote. In response to the supernote problem, the American treasury has overhauled currency designs several times, but new versions of these counterfeits continue to emerge.

Most counterfeit currency is detectable, although sometimes it takes a little bit of work. This is because two of the key aspects of the process used to produce banknotes by the United States Government are difficult to replicate. The first is the highly specialized paper, which is produced only for the Mint using a secret process which embeds colored and holographic threads in the paper. The second is the intaligo printing process, the same process which creates the ridges in the engravings which people associate with authentic banknotes.

A number of other anti-counterfeiting measures are also used in American currency, but the difficulty involved in copying the paper and the printing technique is generally enough to deter most counterfeiters. In the case of supernotes, however, skilled engineers have replicated the expensive intaligo process, and they have been able to produce a credible facsimile of the paper used for official banknotes. They have also copied many of the unique details of American currency, ensuring that in addition to passing casual inspection, a supernote can also evade detection at some financial institutions.

Most supernotes appear to be $100 US bills, which is also a bit unusual for counterfeiting operations, many of which stick with $20 US bills, since these are easier to distribute. The bulk of these bills also appear to be in circulation overseas, with the first supernote being detected outside the United States in 1990, although more supernotes are showing up within American borders each year.

The source of supernotes is a mystery, despite extensive investigation. The level of skill involved has led some people to suggest that they are the work of a foreign government such as North Korea or Iran, perhaps with the goal of destabilizing the American economy. However, no one has positively traced supernotes back to these sources, and no credible evidence to connect these bills with any other individuals or groups has been uncovered.

On the consumer level, there isn't much to be done about supernotes. If a bill feels slightly strange or looks off, it may be a supernote, in which case it should be taken to a bank for examination, but most consumers don't catch supernotes when they receive them, and they may unwittingly pass them on into circulation. Businesses likewise have little defense against the supernote, and since $100 US bills are legal tender, a business cannot refuse to accept them to avoid counterfeit bills.

Share
SmartCapitalMind is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a SmartCapitalMind researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/what-is-a-supernote.htm
Copy this link
SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.