The counterfeit Czech banknotes discovered by the Czech National Bank (ČNB) in 2024 were of low quality, with most lacking essential security features. The number of counterfeits has significantly decreased compared to the previous year. The most frequently counterfeited banknote remained the 2,000 crown note, according to a recent report by the National Bank.
In 2024, the ČNB discovered a total of 1,158 counterfeit and altered Czech banknotes—704 banknotes and 454 coins. Compared to 2023, this represents a reduction of around two-thirds.
‘The protection of Czech currency against counterfeiting is at a good level. It has long been the case that the vast majority of counterfeits are technically very imperfect. Additionally, crowns are counterfeited to a far lesser extent than euros or dollars. Anyone who pays attention to the banknotes and their security features when paying should therefore be able to easily recognise counterfeits,’ said ČNB Board member Karina Kubelková.
In 2024, the ČNB identified 688 counterfeit Czech banknotes with a total value of nearly CZK 1.2 million. The most common counterfeit was the CZK 2,000 note (38%), as it is one of the most widely used banknotes. This was followed by 1,000 crowns (19%), 5,000 crowns (13%), and 100 crowns (13%).
Most counterfeits (293) were discovered in Prague, where there are many cash transactions and the banking network is particularly dense. The majority of counterfeit banknotes were found during processing in banks, followed by bureaux de change and, to a lesser extent, in shops.
The quality of counterfeits discovered in the Czech Republic has long been low, which was again confirmed last year. A total of 680 banknotes were categorised in classes 4 and 5. The danger posed by counterfeits is assessed in five classes, similar to school grading. Class 4 and 5 banknotes either have no security features at all or fail to imitate them sufficiently.
Checking banknotes only takes a moment and can be divided into three basic steps. ‘When you hold a banknote in your hand, you can feel that the banknote paper, with its high cotton content, feels different from ordinary office paper. Additionally, every banknote has a clearly perceptible relief, created by intaglio printing,’ explains Karina Kubelková. The second step is to check it against the light. ‘If you hold the banknote up to the light, you can recognise the watermark and the complete security thread, for example,’ she adds. The final step is to check for visually changing colours in several places on the banknote. ‘Also pay attention to the play of colours that becomes visible when the banknote is tilted,’ adds Karina Kubelková.
The ČNB continuously monitors the occurrence of counterfeits and is working to make Czech banknotes more secure. ‘The Bank Board has commissioned experts to analyse new security features. They will submit proposals for possible innovations this year, which the Bank Board will review,’ says Karina Kubelková.
Anyone interested can learn more about Czech currency and its security features at the ČNB’s visitor centres in Prague and Brno. Admission is free of charge. Further information can be found on the ČNB website in the ‘Banknotes and coins’ section.
