Simple Test Reveals Fake Currency

An everyday object can test for counterfeit currency.

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Science writer reveals simple method to verify counterfeit currency.

Consumers are wary of receiving large denomination bills during the holiday season. Last week 4th graders from Gary, Indiana were caught with counterfeit currency produced on their personal printers. In the United States in 2002, $43 million in fake currency was circulated. When counterfeit currency is seized, neither consumers nor companies are compensated for the loss. So what can we do about it? Two things: Visual inspection and a little-know test to tell good currency from bad.

First look for these telltale signs:

1. The serial number is evenly spaced and is the same color as the Treasury seal.

2. The edge lines of the border on a genuine bill are sharp and unbroken

3. The paper on a genuine bill has tiny red and blue fibers embedded in it, not just printed on the surface.

The second way to verify paper currency is to test the ink. How? A legitimate U.S. bill has iron particles in the ink that are attracted to a magnet. A strong magnet is preferred for this test (some weak refrigerators magnets may not work). To verify a bill, fold it in half and lay it on a table so that half the bill stands up vertically. Point a magnet near the standing edge of the bill and it will move toward the magnet.

Whenever you doubt the authenticity of paper currency, simply pull out your magnet and perform the magnetic attraction test.

Cy Tymony, author of the new book "Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things" (Andrews McMeel Publishing), explains how to reuse everyday objects in unusual ways. A photo of this test can be viewed at Tymony's website Sneakyuses.com

Tymony's website also includes a free "Sneaky Toy Reuses" article." With a little knowledge, simple and high-tech toys - even damaged ones - can be used for amazing and educational purposes," Tymony says. "It costs next to nothing to do, so it's almost a crime to send reusable items to landfills." He suggests readers not overlook reusing other holiday staples around the house. "Milk can be turned into plastic or glue, bookmarks can be turned into boomerangs, a penny can be turned into a radio and walkie-talkies and other devices can be placed in clothing to make a 'gadget jacket.' Even gift-wrapping paper can substitute for air for 'inflating' a flat bicycle tire in a pinch," Tymony says.

A Minneapolis school has recently developed resourcefulness courses based on Cy's bestselling "Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things" book. "There are lots of items in a home that can be used to teach youngsters how things work and resourcefulness," the author explains.

About Cy Tymony:
Cy Tymony has been creating useful high-and low-tech inventions all his life. By reading comic books as a kid and studying scientific techniques, he bridged science and fiction to amaze his friends.
He's authored four books and more than a dozen articles on science and computer science. Cy has been interviewed on over 100 radio shows and his technical wizardry has landed him on CNN Headline News, CBS's Morning News Chicago, KTLA Morning News Los Angeles, FOX 5 Las Vegas and featured in U.S. News & World Report. He lives in Los Angeles.

Contact: Cy Tymony
Phone: (310) 542-1547

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