LEUVER ON CURRENCY READERS FOR THE BLIND

At the bureau, our concern and conclusion was always that tactile features will wear off of U.S. currency, defeating the tactile benefit for the sight-impaired.

Experience. As BEP director I was in Europe. I returned and was told that I was to speak four days later to a major convention of the eyesight-deprived in Las Vegas. Yes, Las Vegas! I spoke in a cavernous somewhat low-ceilinged hall. There was a good turn-out for an early morning talk. The BEP had not addressed any tactile markings to aid the blind. All we discussed was the Canadian endeavor to use a pocket machine to determine currency value, but not authenticity.

The good people who breakfasted early to listen to me were highly upset--and, in retrospect, disheartened, to hear me state the only available solution to determining the value of a US banknote was a pocket held machine. The resounding chorus was, "We do not need another machine to lug around!"

I could not agree more. But our immediate concern at the BEP was to get Treasury approval for counterfeit deterrence, specifically, thread, color shift and a larger portrait. Color was vetoed, much to the consternation of the Fed (Federal Reserve). The Fed thought I was a traitor to the cause--and, to some extent the fellows from the Secret Service, who were working on the Task Force--chaired by the US Treasurer.

Background. This will be the most interesting aspect of the BEP decision, investment and PR. "Another machine to lug around."

There are so many exciting and excellent machine readable features to US currency wherein a relatively small machine or smart phone app will detect instantly the value and authenticity of US currency. Small machines or cell phones are so commonplace today and readily available and useable by the sight-handicapped. I would think these facts would weigh in any decision at the BEP.

Tactile features are limited and relatively easy to compromise. A counterfeiter could easily reproduce tactile features of high denomination notes to the financial loss of a sighted-handicapped vendor or businessman.

Disclaimer: I am an advisor to Reconnaissance International LTd. (Sunbury-on-the-Thames, UK) "Authentication News". Reconnaissance specializes in publishing newsletters, sponsoring conventions and meetings, and consultation re the security for printed currency and documents, products (especially pharmaceuticals), and trademarks. I am not an expert, but am knowledgeable about the technical innovations regarding taggants and authentication features.

Wayne Homren, Editor

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