THE Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has assured the public that differences in the positioning of security threads on banknotes of the same denomination do not mean the notes are counterfeit.
The central bank has explained that genuine banknotes may have security threads appearing in slightly different positions by design, adding that these variations are a normal feature of banknote production.
The clarification follows public concerns over differences in the positioning of security threads on banknotes of the same denomination, with some people questioning whether such notes are genuine.
In a statement, Thursday, BoZ Assistant Director of Communications Besnat Mwanza explained that during production, the security thread is allowed to vary slightly within a defined area known as the “wandering zone”.
“The Bank of Zambia wishes to inform the general public that security threads on genuine banknotes of the same denomination may appear in slightly different positions by design. The variation is neither a defect nor, on its own, an indication that a banknote is counterfeit. During production, the security thread’s position is allowed to vary slightly within a defined area known as the ‘wandering zone’. This controlled variation distributes the additional thickness created by the thread, helping to prevent a ridge from forming when banknote paper is rolled or stacked. Consequently, security threads on genuine banknotes of the same denomination do not always align exactly, and the eagle may also appear in slightly different positions,” said Mwanza.
“These variations are a normal feature of banknote production. Members of the public are encouraged to use the feel, look, feel and check approach to examine several security features rather than rely solely on the position of the security thread. These Level 1 security features can be checked without specialised equipment and include colour-shifting features, the watermark, see-through register, raised printing and tactile marks. Further guidance is available on the Bank of Zambia website. To assist with these checks, the Bank encourages the public to download the free Zambian Banknotes app from Google Play Store for Android devices, or the Apple App Store for iPhones. Search for ‘Zambian Banknotes’, select the Bank of Zambia’s app, and download it. Once downloaded and installed, open the Security Features section and select a denomination to view interactive guidance on checking its Level 1 security features. Please note that the app is an educational guide to examining the level 1 security on physical banknotes, not a tool that automatically authenticates them”.
