Scientists confirm Benjamin Franklin's sophisticated anti-counterfeiting techniques for colonial paper money
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Joshua Rapp Learn
Summary
Scientists at the University of Notre Dame are confirming sophisticated anti-counterfeiting techniques used by Benjamin Franklin in his printing business, which produced paper money for the American colonies. Franklin's bills included innovations like adding reflective minerals (such as muscovite) to paper, using distinctive printed patterns, and employing complex nature-printed leaf impressions — methods that were highly advanced for the 18th century and helped early American paper currency succeed against counterfeiters.
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Twitter / XScientists confirm Benjamin Franklin's sophisticated anti-counterfeiting techniques for colonial paper moneysciencenews.orgKey quotes
· 1 pulledFranklin's bills 'served as an archetype for printed money' to come, says Khachatur Manukyan, a physical chemist at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. 'It was very sophisticated for that time.'
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