“Super counterfeit bills,” commonly known as superdollars or supernotes, are extremely sophisticated fake U.S. $100 banknotes that are almost impossible to distinguish from genuine currency without advanced detection tools. Many blogs and investigative articles explore their origins—frequently associated with North Korea—and explain how experts identify them by examining specific security features.

Key Insights from Blogs and Articles

Origin and Craftsmanship:
The most well-known superdollars are widely believed to have been produced in North Korea using advanced printing technology and materials comparable to those used by the U.S. government. This includes the costly intaglio printing process, which creates the distinctive raised texture found on authentic U.S. currency.

Challenges in Detection:
Because of their exceptional quality, these counterfeits can bypass common detection methods such as counterfeit pens and some basic electronic scanners. In many cases, only Federal Reserve banks or specialized forensic equipment can accurately identify them as fake.

Security Features to Examine:
Experts consistently recommend checking multiple built-in security elements, as outlined by the U.S. Currency Education Program:

  • Paper Texture: Genuine U.S. banknotes are printed on a unique blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen, giving them a distinct feel and slightly raised ink that is difficult to replicate precisely.
  • Light Test: When held up to the light, authentic bills display a subtle watermark portrait that matches the main image, along with a vertical security thread embedded in the paper. Under ultraviolet light, this thread glows a specific color (for example, red on $100 bills).
  • Color-Shifting Ink: On newer $100 notes, the number in the lower right corner changes color from copper to green when the bill is tilted.
  • Microprinting: Real currency contains tiny, sharply printed text in several areas. On lower-quality counterfeits, this microprinting often appears blurred or as indistinct dots.