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Singapore Polymer Notes: Security Features

Find out what are the key security features present in genuine Singapore polymer notes and how you can identify them.

About Singapore Polymer Notes

For security control purposes, polymer notes are printed on a specialised polypropylene plastic (derived from petroleum) that is not available commercially. 

The material starts as a clear plastic film, which is produced using unique patented production processes. The clear film is coated with multiple layers of materials, on which the features of the notes can then be printed. It is during this coating process that an extensive range of security features are incorporated.

The polymer notes have security features unique to the polymer technology such as the Complex Clear Window. All polymer denominations ($2, $5, $10) share the same security features.

Key Security Features

To determine if a note is genuine, you should perform the "Look-Tilt-Feel" method. Watch the video to find out more about the "Look-Tilt-Feel" method.



$10 Polymer Note

Look Security Features

 
Complex Clear Window
How it looks What it is

A see-through window with a multi-tonal image
Embossed Clear Window
How it looks What it is
A clear window with the denomination numeral embossed in it, with repetitive patterns of the denomination numeral on the top and bottom.
Shadow Image
How it looks
What it is

A watermark-like image of the late Encik Yusof bin Ishak is visible when viewed with transmitted light.
Security Thread
How it looks
 What it is

A security thread in the shape of the Singapore island.
Perfect Registration
How it looks What it is

The Singapore Lion symbol appearing near the watermark is printed simultaneously with the same image on the front and back of the note.


When the note is held up to the light, the Singapore Lion symbol on the front registers perfectly with the image on the back.
Intaglio Microtext
How it looks What it is

The text "MONETARY AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE" is in micro-letters above the four official languages of the word "SINGAPORE" on the front of the note. 


To the unaided eye, this appears as a single line but the details can be seen legibly with the aid of a magnifying glass.
Reverse Intaglio Microtext
How it looks What it is

When magnified, the text "MAS" in micro-letters in the shadow of the denomination numeral can be clearly seen.
Offset Microtext
How it looks What it is

When magnified, the text "MONETARY AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE" forms a continuous pattern inside the denomination numeral on the front of the note.
When magnified, the text "MAJULAH SINGAPURA" forms a continuous pattern on the back of the note.
Ultraviolet Visible Features
How it looks What it is

This feature, in the form of the denomination numeral of the note, is present on the front of the note.


It is invisible under ordinary lighting conditions but glows brightly under ultraviolet light.
Fluorescent Ink
How it looks What it is

The fluorescent pigment on the serial numbers and the seal on the front of the note glows brightly under ultraviolet light. 


This feature also appears on some parts of the designs on both the front and back of the note.
Asymmetrical Serial Numbers
How it looks What it is

The asymmetrical serial numbering style has progressively larger digits in adjacent positions. 


One of the serial numbers appears horizontally, the other vertically. The serial numbers both glow under ultraviolet light.

Tilt Security Features

 
Stylised Gold Patch
How it looks What it is

The stylised gold patch in the shape of the Singapore Lion symbol, with the texts of the denomination of the note across it on several lines.


It has an image of the Singapore Coat of Arms that will appear at varying angles.

Feel Security Features

 
Intaglio Portrait
How it looks What it is

Hand-engraved and printed in intaglio ink, the portrait of the late Encik Yusof bin Ishak on the front of the Portrait Series notes serves as a unique anti-counterfeiting feature.


The fine lines of the engraving are difficult to imitate or reproduce.
Intaglio Prints
How it looks What it is

The intaglio (raised) printing gives the note an embossed feel. The use of intaglio printing on the Singapore Coat of Arms, the engraved portrait, the word "SINGAPORE" and other areas offers good overall tactility. 


The prints are finely done so that tiny details are clearly defined. The intaglio printing of the denomination numeral of each note also helps recognition by the visually handicapped.


The fine lines of the engraving are difficult to imitate or reproduce.
Each note has a braille pattern printed in heavy intaglio ink at the top right corner of the front of the note.

This is so that the visually handicapped users can recognise the different denominations by touch.

If you have doubts about the authenticity of a Singapore note, you can approach the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to have it verified physically.