Spectral investigations on 1000 £ banknotes throughout Italian Republic

In the present manuscript it is reported a study carried out by means of micro-Raman and infrared spectroscopy on banknotes used in Italy during more than 50 years, since 1947 until 2001. For each specimen, three different features of the banknote (serial number, watermark and security mark) were considered and the measurements were repeated on three different banknotes of the same type. Differences were revealed in the paper banknote composition, red color used for the security mark and serial number black printing ink. Then, two certified fakes were analyzed and significant shifts on the main peak of red color pigment were revealed.