FX.co ★ Seven most commonly counterfeited currencies

Pound Sterling

The pound is the world’s most counterfeited currency. According to experts, one of 30 pounds was forged in the UK in 2015. Data from the Royal Mint showed that a total of 347 thousand counterfeits worth £7.5 mln ($10.5 mln) were withdrawn from circulation. To fight forgery, the Mint has issued a 1 pound coin with an unusual hologram. The key element of the sterling is a secret high-tech material that prevents it from copying.

Greenback

According to experts, the US dollar is the world's second counterfeit. Statistics revealed that each $10 thousand had 1 fake banknote in 2015. The $20 bill is the most commonly counterfeited in the US, while overseas counterfeiters are more likely to make fake $100 bills. To resist forgery, a new $100 with a blue 3D security ribbon next to a portrait of Benjamin Franklin was issued. The image is moving depending on the angle at which the bill is viewed. The banknote carries an embossed seal where a designation of ‘100’ in the lower right corner and fine line printing on the collar of the politician are changing color.

Euro

The European currency ranks third on the list. It became popular among counterfeiters due to the widespread use. From the moment of the issue, the currency has been the subject of constant forgery. Since 2015, every €23 thousand have had 1 fake banknote. The 20 euro and 50 euro notes are the most counterfeited. In 2017, these bills made up 85% of all fakes. To stop fraud, the European Central Bank has developed a money design called the Europa series. This includes sophisticated security features such as security ribbon and holographic portrait.

Pesos

Mexico and its peso are the fourth among the countries with a huge amount of counterfeits. According to the Bank of Mexico, each 71st banknote out of a million is fake. Experts have found 303,063 of counterfeit bills worth 99.1 million peso ($5.4 mln). The most common banknotes counterfeited were 20, 100 and 500 peso. To secure the money, they are made polymeric, with the additional holograms and color-shifting inks.

Loonie

The Canadian dollar ranks fifth among currencies popular with counterfeiters. Statistics show that 1 CAD out of 36 thousand CAD is fake. Canadian authorities have taken several measures to counter the forgers. They introduced plastic money based on polypropylene and security elements on banknotes such as an unusual window with an iridescent portrait and Canada sign. A small mat maple leaf with a transparent edging protects the bill from counterfeiting. Inside, numbers, visible only in the light, are hidden.

Norwegian krone

The krone is the sixth most counterfeited currency. The interesting fact about it is that the currency doesn't portray images of prominent figures. The main concept of the banknote design is to represent how the sea has contributed to economic prosperity of the country. According to experts, the volume of fake krones in the state is rather small.

South Korean won

The seventh most popular counterfeited currency is the South Korean won. The number of fake money in the country is limited, less than 455 thousand won. The South Korean authorities have issued unique banknotes to cut counterfeits quantity. The new bill abounds with vivid inscriptions and historical personalities. The reverse side illustrates beautiful national landscapes.