If you sell merchandise for cash then it's important that you know how to verify a dollar bill. One dollar bills aren't counterfeited too often, but they are easier to counterfeit because these bills lack the security features that the higher denomination bills have.
In this article we'll go over counterfeit money detectors and also how to use other testing methods.
Counterfeit Money Detectors
The easiest way to find out if a bill is real or not is to use a counterfeit money detector. These products will automatically tell if you have a real bill or a fake.
Counterfeit detector pens are the most affordable money detector products. These small devices retail for less than 10 dollars. But don't let the price deceive you, these pens are effective and many people swear by them.
There are more advanced money detectors that scan the entire bill. Most of these money detectors retail for around $10-100. If you run a business then it may be wise to invest in one of these products.
Note that most of these products are not always 100% accurate. This is why it's also recommended that you use other testing methods in addition to using a money detector.
Other Testing Methods
The methods listed below can tell you whether or not your one dollar bill is real.
1. Feel Test
Each bill is composed of 75% cotton and 25% linen. If the bill feels like regular paper then it's not real. A real bill will also have slightly raised ink. The raised ink is easier to feel on new bills.
1. Examine the Printing
The real bills are printed using advanced techniques. Everything on the bill should be sharp and the borders should be clear. The portrait should have fine details present.
2. Dimensions Test
With a ruler you can check the dimensions of a one dollar bill. The correct dimensions are: 155.956 x 66.294 mm.
3. Comparison Test
You can take a real $1 bill and compare it side by side with the $1 bill in question.
4. Check the Serial Numbers
The serial numbers on the bill need to match. The serial numbers can be found on the obverse side of the bill in two locations- to the lower left of Washington's portrait and to the upper right of Washington's portrait.
Conclusion
If you use a counterfeit money detector and/or use any of the other testing methods, then you should be able to accurately determine whether or not your bill is real. We recommend buying a money detector to give you more peace of mind. If you own a business then a money detector could save you a lot of money over time.
See also:
How to Tell If a 100 Dollar Bill Is Real How to Tell If a 50 Dollar Bill Is Real How to Tell If a 20 Dollar Bill Is Real How to Tell If a 10 Dollar Bill Is Real How to Tell If a 5 Dollar Bill Is Real