Optical Security Advances Modern Banknotes

Central banks are increasingly upgrading banknotes with optical security features that offer stronger public recognition, machine readability and dynamic visual effects. Recent banknote programmes demonstrate how holography, micro-optics, colour-shifting technologies and advanced diffractive devices are becoming central to modern currency design. Here are a few recent examples from this year.

Security threads become dynamic

Security threads remain one of the most widely used optical security platforms, but recent upgrades show how the technology is evolving beyond a simple embedded strip.

In Peru, the Central Reserve Bank has upgraded the 200 soles banknote by replacing the original 4mm RAPID® Detect thread with a wider 5mm RAPID® Vision Detect thread. This enhanced band shifts from green to blue with a demetallised '200' when tilted.