Procedures
Staining Your Paper
Mix coffee with water in a bowl or pan. If you prefer your bills to have a color closer to genuine currency, consider staining them with coffee. Fill a coffee cup halfway with hot water and add 3 tablespoons (44.4 ml) of instant coffee, stirring quickly. Transfer the mixture into a shallow bowl or pan. This will yield a rich brown liquid.
- To achieve a subtle brown tint, dilute the coffee mixture with additional warm water.
- If you're out of instant coffee, steep a tea bag in warm water as an alternative.
- For a more intricate hue, add 1-2 drops of green food coloring to the coffee mixture and stir briskly. This will impart a greenish undertone to your counterfeit currency.
Submerge the printer paper in water. Hold a sheet of paper over the dish and dip it in. Ensure both sides are evenly coated without over-saturation to prevent tearing.
Position 1 sheet of paper on a plate. Place a single sheet of paper on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring it lies flat in the center. Use separate plates for each sheet or wait for the plate to cool between uses.
Microwave each sheet of paper to dry. Microwave the plate and paper for 20 seconds on high. Test for dryness by tapping the paper—if still wet, microwave for an additional 10 seconds, repeating until dry. Repeat with fresh plates and paper as needed.
Air dry each sheet of paper alternatively. Lay the paper out on baking sheets or hang them on a clothesline with clothespins to dry without a microwave. Avoid overlapping to expedite drying time.
Creating Your Counterfeit Bills
Adhere to all legal requirements.
Currency creation is typically governed by national laws. In the U.S., fake bills must be scaled down to 75% or less of the original size or enlarged to over 150%. It's also recommended to print one-sided bills. Always check local regulations before proceeding.
Create your own currency designs. If you prefer manual methods, use a pen to draw currency directly onto paper by tracing a real bill's outline. This method allows for creative customization, ideal for children's activities.
Access play money templates online. Search for 'play money templates' to find downloadable documents that can be customized with additional details. Some templates even allow personalization with photos or custom text.
Utilize government-provided currency images. The U.S. Treasury Department and other financial institutions offer currency images for educational purposes. Download these images from official websites to ensure compliance with legal guidelines.
Purchase from a reputable prop company. Prop companies supply fake currency for various productions. They offer detailed or generic bills that meet legal requirements. While convenient, this option can be costly, so be sure to understand the terms before buying.
Finalizing Your Currency
Print your money. Load your colored paper into the printer and adjust settings to fit the currency. Print one page at a time or in batches. For optimal results, use a laser printer.
Produce duplicates. Use a copier to replicate currency sheets. Ensure compliance with regulations by adjusting sizes and keeping copies black and white. Some copiers also allow for double-sided copying.
Cut out your bills. Use a paper cutter for uniform sizes or scissors for varied ones. Precision cutting ensures smooth edges and professional appearance.
Bundle your bills. Obtain cash straps or rubber bands to secure stacks of bills. Label the strap with a bank name using a permanent marker for authenticity.
Printable Counterfeit Currency
Counterfeit CurrencyPointers
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Enhance durability by laminating your counterfeit money, especially if intended for gaming purposes.
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For a near-perfect replica of real currency, use a color printer to print double-sided on 75% cotton and 25% linen paper, following the scanned images of real bills. Exercise caution as this method can produce highly authentic-looking results.
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When creating play money, consider using different colored paper for various denominations to enhance distinction.
Cautions
- Never entertain the thought of passing off counterfeit currency as legitimate money. Doing so constitutes a criminal offense worldwide and carries severe consequences upon detection.
Essentials
- Sheets of plain printer paper
- Coffee or tea
- Plates
- Water
- Microwave
- Printer
- Scanner
- Scissors
- Ink pen