HOW TO SPOT A FAKE ZIMBABWE 100 BILLION AGROCHEQUE BANKNOTE
Spotting a fake Zimbabwe 100 Billion Agro Cheque banknote can be tricky, as these notes were issued during a period of hyperinflation and some later issues had fewer advanced security features. However, here are some key elements to look for, based on what would typically be present in genuine banknotes and reported issues with fakes.
1. Paper & Texture
Real notes are printed on high-quality, fibrous banknote paper—slightly thicker and rougher than standard paper. This is a tactile feature that might be difficult to replicate perfectly in fake banknotes. Counterfeits often use smoother, flimsier, or overly glossy paper due to inferior materials.
2. Color and Print Quality
• Original notes have clean, precise printing with no smudging or pixelation.
• Color Consistency: The colors on a genuine banknote should be consistent and vibrant, without any unevenness or fading.
• Fakes often use blurry, low-resolution scans and misaligned text.
3. Linework
Genuine Zimbabwe Agrocheques banknotes have Sharp, continuous lines.
Counterfeit have Blurred or broken lines, Fakes often use offset or digital printing, resulting in fuzzy details and “bleeding” ink where fine lines merge.
4. Security Thread
A metallic security thread with "RBZ" (Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe) should run vertically and be partially visible on both sides. Counterfeits may have a printed line instead.
5. Watermark
Watermark (Zimbabwe Bird): Look for a watermark of the Zimbabwe Bird (the national emblem) and letters RBZ, visible under the white Light or when you hold the banknote up to a light source. The watermark is embedded, should be clear and not printed, and appears slightly darker.
6. UV-Reacting Fibers
The note must clearly shows scattered colored fibers (blue, green, red) under UV light, which is a strong indicator of genuine Zimbabwean banknote paper. Additionally you must see clear lines in the banknote.
7. UV-Active Serial Number (Top Right)
The serial number must glows yellow-green, which matches the genuine Agro-Cheque’s UV-reactive ink.
8. Raised Intaglio Print (Tactile Marks)
Genuine Zimbabwe 100 Billion Agrocheques banknotes have raised ink, which you can feel by running your finger over the the serial numbers. This is a common security feature for visually impaired individuals. Borders should have crisp, unbroken edges.
