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Dots -- some kind of printing error or production aid?

For many years now, I have been intrigued by these dots of different colors on several notes, Mexican usually. The spots are circled on this sample, and can ANYONE tell me the usage or reason for them? Thank you.

Brian__

Comments

  • Steve_in_TampaSteve_in_Tampa Posts: 1,959 ✭✭✭✭✭

    It’s a common practice for security paper manufacturers to incorporate random colored dots into the paper used for currency. This page from my Gilbert Paper Company pamphlet uses currency security paper, and also has the dots.

  • bammerbbbammerbb Posts: 162 ✭✭✭

    It makes sense. The dots look just like the ones on my note. I thought possibly it was some kind of security but had never seen them before. Thanks for your help.

  • synchrsynchr Posts: 1,401 ✭✭✭✭

    Do they irradiate when a UV light is shined on them?
    I'll bet they glow under blacklight !

  • Namvet69Namvet69 Posts: 8,970 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Good morning, I just learned something with my first cup of coffee. Thanks. Peace Roy

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  • Steve_in_TampaSteve_in_Tampa Posts: 1,959 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @synchr said:
    Do they irradiate when a UV light is shined on them?
    I'll bet they glow under blacklight !

    I went to check and the batteries were dead in my device. I’ll have to get back to y’all on this.

  • Serial_no_8Serial_no_8 Posts: 455 ✭✭✭
    edited February 6, 2021 9:40AM

    They're called planchettes & they've been on BOC (& DOC) banknotes up until the the Birds Series (1990's). I don't believe they can glow in the dark (but I could be wrong). They can be removed & I know a lot of CDN collectors who won't touch a CDN banknote unless it has them. Here's the back of 1935 $20 (& they're all green):

    and you see them on other nation's currency, like Ecuador, but in different colours:

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