a
supernote is a
counterfeit hundred dollar
bill of exceptionally high quality. Supernotes are different from common fakes because they are printed on an
intaglio press, which gives them the "relief" quality typical of real dollars. Detected in 1989, they make up a small portion of the mass of forged US currency currently circulating.
Supernotes also feature most of the well-known markers of real dollars, such as the plastic security thread, the
watermark, and the red and blue security fibers.
The US Government and Interpol believe the supernotes to be of Northern Korean origin. The government of North Korea denies involvement. Some people are not convinced that North Korea could acquire all the necessary materials and technologies to produce such a convincing fake.
sources:
- Interpol holds 'Supernote' summit to address US dollar counterfeiting, Interpol media release, 26 July 2006, http://www.interpol.int/Public/ICPO/PressReleases/PR2006/PR200625.asp
- Report: N. Korean 'supernotes' surfaced in Las Vegas casinos, World Tribune.com, 12 January 2006,
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/06/front2453748.0833333335.html
- What are supernotes?, Slate.com, 23 August 2005, http://www.slate.com/id/2124884/