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What Is a Banknote Detector?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

A banknote detector is an electronic device that is capable of instantly identifying currency denominations and sorting them for use in a business or a financial institution. The devices are programmed to recognize different currencies, making it easy to automatically sort and count different types of paper money quickly and easily. Most types of banknote detector equipment are also equipped to recognize counterfeit notes, which further helps to protect the interests of the business or institution that is receiving the bank notes.

There are several key functions that are normally included with any banknote detector. One has to do with differentiating between different types of currency. This has to do with not only recognizing the different notes issued by various nations, but also the denominations of currencies used within a given nation. Most detectors are pre-programmed to recognize a limited number of major currencies, such as the notes issued in the United Kingdom and the United States. Typically, the Euro is also included in the basic roster of recognized currencies. Most systems will allow the user to add up to a certain number of other national currencies, making it easy to adapt the equipment to suit the needs of that business.

A banknote detector can distinguish real from counterfeit bills.
A banknote detector can distinguish real from counterfeit bills.

Along with the ability to recognize and efficiently sort different types of paper money, a banknote detector often has the ability to identify counterfeit notes during the sorting process. This is managed by scanning the notes as they pass through the system and identifying any issues with the inks or other markings that are present. Some systems can even differentiate between the type and weight of paper used to print legitimate notes and detect when some sort of inferior paper was used to produce the counterfeit bills.

Computer graphic design programs allow counterfeiters today to print high quality bills that are harder to identify as counterfeit without a banknote detector.
Computer graphic design programs allow counterfeiters today to print high quality bills that are harder to identify as counterfeit without a banknote detector.

The cost associated with a banknote detector will vary, based on the number of features included with the device. Basic counters that are designed to manage only a few types of currency are often very affordable and may be ideal for local businesses that rarely receive anything but local currency. International banks that engage in currency exchange for travelers would require a detector which provides a greater range of features at a higher cost.

Using a banknote detector can also save a great deal of time. Since the systems can quickly sort, count, and arrange the bills according to denomination, this helps to minimize the time spent in manually sorting and counting those notes. From this perspective, use of the equipment not only helps to protect businesses and institutions from being victims of fraud but also frees internal resources that can be allocated to other essential tasks.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • A banknote detector can distinguish real from counterfeit bills.
      By: Valentin Mosichev
      A banknote detector can distinguish real from counterfeit bills.
    • Computer graphic design programs allow counterfeiters today to print high quality bills that are harder to identify as counterfeit without a banknote detector.
      By: Africa Studio
      Computer graphic design programs allow counterfeiters today to print high quality bills that are harder to identify as counterfeit without a banknote detector.