All central banks aim to preserve the integrity and stability of their currency.
Part of that challenge is to ensure that the currency notes themselves command the confidence of those who use them. This handbook provides a basic guide to the key issues involved in achieving that aim. In particular, banknotes must be designed so that they are difficult to reproduce while also allowing the general public to readily distinguish between genuine and counterfeit notes. Also, there have to be arrangements for secure handling and effective distribution around the country so that notes are available where and when required. Pressures to contain costs and technology changes mean that the production and distribution of currency notes is an evolving challenge for issuing authorities.