New $100 bill has added security features

Last month the Bank of Canada began circulating a new polymer $100 bill, featuring an updated design and enhanced security features.

“Just as the images on this note depict Canadian achievements at the frontier of medicine, the advanced security features embedded in these new polymer bills are at the frontier of bank note technology,” Governor Mark Carney said via press release announcing their circulation.

Should you come across one of these shiny new notes during the holiday season, it’s therefore important to be aware of their security features, to ensure you’ve got the real deal in your hands.

Here are a few ways to confirm authenticity:

• Examine the large transparent area that extends from the top to the bottom of the note, which contains complex holographic features.
• Feel the raised ink around the large number, shoulders of the portrait, and Bank of Canada text.
• Look through the frosted maple leaf window at a single-point light source, and identify the circle of numbers matching the note’s value.

“This will protect Canadians against tomorrow’s counterfeiting threats,” Carney said of the security features. “As well, these new notes will last at least two-and-a-half times longer than paper notes and will be recycled – saving money and being better for the environment.”

The Bank of Canada has announced Canada’s new $50 note will be launched in March, followed by the $20 note in late 2012, and the $10 and $5 bills by the end of 2013.

See the video above for more information on the security features of the new $100 bank note.

Chris Mejaski is a Toronto-based writer and digital communications professional, with a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University and an M.A. in Communication and Culture from Ryerson and York universities.