What does a real 20 dollar bill look like? This question often arises when people come across a suspicious or altered bill. Understanding the distinctive features of a genuine $20 bill can help identify whether it is authentic or a counterfeit. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of a real 20 dollar bill, including its design, security features, and common counterfeit types.
The front of a real $20 bill features a portrait of Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States. The image is surrounded by intricate designs, including a shield, stars, and the number “20.” The color scheme primarily consists of green, gold, and brown. The back of the bill showcases the White House, the Treasury building, and a series of trees and leaves.
One of the most significant security features of a real $20 bill is the color-shifting ink. When you tilt the bill, the number “20” on the front and the Treasury seal on the back change from copper to green. This feature is designed to be easily visible to the naked eye and is a common way to quickly verify the authenticity of the bill.
Another important security feature is the raised printing, also known as intaglio printing. When you run your finger over the bill, you can feel the raised ink on the portraits of Andrew Jackson and the number “20.” This texture is a hallmark of genuine currency and is difficult to replicate in counterfeit bills.
The watermark is another security feature that can be found on both sides of the $20 bill. The watermark features a faint image of Andrew Jackson’s portrait. When you hold the bill up to the light, the watermark becomes more visible. This feature is also present in many other denominations of U.S. currency.
The Federal Reserve seal is another distinctive feature of a real $20 bill. The seal is located in the lower right corner of the front and back of the bill. It includes the name of the Federal Reserve Bank that issued the bill, along with the bank’s number.
Despite these security features, counterfeiters continue to attempt to replicate genuine $20 bills. Some common types of counterfeit bills include:
1. Offset counterfeit: This type of counterfeit has poor color quality and lacks the raised printing texture found on genuine bills.
2. Intaglio counterfeit: This type of counterfeit attempts to replicate the raised printing texture but is often of lower quality and lacks the color-shifting ink feature.
3. Subtle counterfeit: This type of counterfeit is harder to detect, as it closely mimics the appearance of a genuine bill. However, it still lacks some of the key security features.
To ensure that you are handling a real $20 bill, it is essential to be familiar with its security features and to use your senses to examine the bill closely. By doing so, you can avoid falling victim to counterfeit currency and maintain the integrity of the U.S. monetary system.
