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SECURE SUBSTRATE WITH COMPLEX SECURITY FEATURES
It begins with the distinctive nature of polymer substrate. The transparency of the polymer film is the basis for multi-layered, complex security features that cannot be successfully reproduced by scanning and photocopying. A significant benefit of polymer substrate is that security features remain in better condition over the life of the notes.
The Origins of Guardian®; Polymer
The search for a more secure banknote arose from a serious counterfeiting problem that occurred soon after a new paper banknote series was launched in 1966. While the new series was judged to have the best security features available at the time (watermark, thread, intaglio), the counterfeits were very high quality and presented a significant threat. The RBA subsequently initiated research to seek alternative technologies for more secure banknotes, the focus being on security features which were overt, and easily recognizable for the public. Such security features were to challenge the counterfeiter – they were to make counterfeiting more difficult, more time consuming and more costly.
In 1988 the world’s first non-fibrous Guardian®; polymer banknote was issued in Australia. This issue was successful and led the RBA to decide on a polymer new note series commencing with the $5 in 1992, $10 in 1993, $20 in 1994, $50 in 1995 and $100 in 1996.
Growth in Demand for Guardian®;
The proven security, durability, cleanliness and cost effectiveness of Guardian®; has spawned a new era in banknote technology. Having led to a landmark reduction in counterfeiting in Australia and many other countries, and providing note life many times that of paper, there is a growing recognition that Guardian®; is the superior alternative.
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