1. Paper Quality:
* The bill should be made of high-quality cotton and linen fiber paper, which gives it a crisp and durable feel.
2. Engraving and Printing Techniques:
* Note the exceptional engraving on both the front and back of the bill. Intricate details should be visible, including fine lines, sharp text, and clear borders.
3. Treasury Seal:
* On the left side of the bill, near the top, you should find a green Treasury Seal with the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." The seal should have fine details and be well-defined.
4. Portrait Detail:
* Examine the portrait of President Andrew Jackson. The details of his face, hair, clothing, and background should be clear and sharp.
5. Federal Reserve Note:
* At the top center of the bill, the text "FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE" should be prominent and evenly spaced. The letters should have a consistent thickness and be well-aligned.
6. Serial Numbers:
* The 1934 A $20 bill has two serial numbers, one located on the front and one on the back. The numbers should match, and each digit should be evenly spaced and clear.
7. Watermark:
* Hold the bill up to a light source and look for a faint image of President Andrew Jackson's portrait near the center. The watermark should be visible as a silhouette.
8. Security Thread:
* When held up to a light, there should be a vertical security thread woven into the paper. The thread should emit a red glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
9. Color-Shifting Ink:
* The reverse side of the bill features a number "20," which changes color from copper to green when viewed from different angles.
10. Fine Linework and Borders:
* Pay close attention to the fine linework, especially on the sides and corners of the bill. The borders should be sharp and consistent throughout the entire bill.
11. Holographic Image:
* When tilted, the reverse of the bill should display a holographic image of a torch and a bell within the "20."
12. Microprinting:
* Look for tiny letters and numbers within the bill's design. These are known as microprinting and are difficult to replicate in counterfeits.
13. Ultraviolet (UV) Light Features:
* When exposed to UV light, genuine 1934 A $20 bills should exhibit various fluorescent patterns and colored fibers, including red and blue fibers.
14. Magnetic Ink:
* The Treasury Seal, serial numbers, and Federal Reserve Seal on the back should be printed using magnetic ink, which is detectable by electronic devices.
It is recommended to consult with an expert numismatist or use other authentication methods to ensure the authenticity of a 1934 A $20 bill, especially if you're handling valuable or rare banknotes.