1. Treasury Seal and Serial Numbers:
- Counterfeit bills often have blurry or misaligned Treasury seals and uneven or irregular serial numbers.
2. Portrait of Andrew Jackson:
- The portrait of Andrew Jackson should have fine details. Look for sharp engravings, especially in the hair, eyes, and facial features.
3. Paper Quality:
- Genuine U.S. bills have a unique texture, feel thicker, and don't tear easily. Counterfeits may feel brittle or have a different texture.
4. Color:
- Authentic bills have a distinct yellowish-green color. Counterfeits may appear too yellow or have an uneven color distribution.
5. Watermark:
- Hold the bill up to a light source and check for the faint image of Andrew Jackson on the left side. Counterfeits might not have the watermark or may have a poor-quality image.
6. Security Thread:
- Genuine $20 bills issued in 1934A should have a red and blue security thread running vertically on the left side. Counterfeits might not have this security feature or may have a thread that's not red and blue.
7. Microprinting:
- Examine the fine lines and tiny texts printed on certain areas of the bill, such as the collar of Jackson's shirt or the borders. Counterfeits often lack these precise details.
8. Ultraviolet Light:
- When exposed to ultraviolet light, counterfeit bills may have unusual lines or markings that are not present on authentic bills.
9. Holographic Strip:
- 1934A $20 bills don't have a holographic strip, but the series did introduce gold overprint numbers on the seals and the Federal Reserve seal on the right side.
10. Printing Errors:
- Check for printing errors, such as mismatched fonts, irregular spacing between letters or numbers, or ink smudges.
11. Feel:
- Genuine U.S. currency has a distinctive crisp feel due to the linen and cotton fibers in the paper. Counterfeits might feel softer or have a different texture.
12. Size:
- Measure the bill to ensure it matches the standard dimensions of a $20 bill (approximately 6.14 x 2.61 inches).
It's crucial to note that counterfeiting is illegal and can have severe consequences. If you suspect that a $20 bill is counterfeit, it's advisable to seek advice from law enforcement or professionals who specialize in detecting counterfeit money.