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[Notes] Without A Face (Part 3)

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Fenntucky Mike

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Having compared scans of the notes, as well as images of the notes under UV light, we'll take a look at the notes with backlighting.

All four notes display similar qualities. The parquet watermarks are clear with blocks of four lines running diagonally alternating 90 degrees every other block of four and the back ink is clearly visible through the face and appears violet. I don't particularly see anything off about any of the notes when backlit. 

Control note.

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QA note.

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Second P # 83x

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Third P # 83x

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I've also viewed all the notes under IR but the results are the same as the backlighting test, all appeared to be the same with no IR features and no visible ink, blemishes or alteration. I don't have a good way to capture IR images yet so I won't be posting them, you'll just have to take my word on the results. lol If someone REALLY wants me to post IR images of the notes let me know and I'll see what I can do. (thumbsu I will also add that the notes all measure the same and the paper quality seems to be on par with other 5 Karbovantsiv notes from 1991.

In the end I see nothing conclusive and can't say whether or not these notes are genuine. Some of the smudging and staining could lead one to believe that these notes were altered but I tend to think not, I also find the possibility of these notes being missing print errors a stretch. To me the more likely possibility is that these were purposely printed on only one side but for what purpose. (shrug) The back design seems to be an exact match to other notes, granted it is a simple design and could be easily counterfeited I just don't feel that is the case with these. I might give these another go with PMG but I will have to contact them and see if sending in all three examples, and a certified note if that helps, would be beneficial and perhaps if I submitted them as something besides P # 83x (missing face printing error). We'll see. My best guess at this point is that these are a printer's proof or scrap. 

Now to see what's going on with the two different security fibers on the control note. :bigsmile:

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@Fenntucky Mike this is a fascinating study. My first thought was that the notes were just a uniface proof - or is that too simple?xD colour trial?

This may explain the slight differences in the fibres as slightly different paper was tested etc as the design/production process was finalised.

Anyone at the printers that could be contacted?

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On 1/25/2023 at 7:24 PM, ColonialCoinsUK said:

@Fenntucky Mike this is a fascinating study. My first thought was that the notes were just a uniface proof - or is that too simple?xD colour trial?

This may explain the slight differences in the fibres as slightly different paper was tested etc as the design/production process was finalised.

Anyone at the printers that could be contacted?

A uniface proof makes the most sense to me, that would explain the survivorship and typical condition that these seem to be found in. A color trial would also make sense. It's interesting to note that there are at least two different types of specimens for these notes, one with red overprint, one with perforation, and that the specimens have different color schemes. It is also interesting to note that these varying color schemes appear on the circulating currency, although the contrast between the two is not as obvious as the two notes below make it appear. It makes me wonder if there were not two separate printings for these instead of just one. Most references identify the perforated notes as proofs but not all.

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I have around a dozen 5 Karbovantsiv notes from 1991, and the control note is the only one with the two different security fibers. I haven't studied the specimens under UV yet, maybe this weekend. :bigsmile:

I haven't tried to reach out to I.S.B. yet but that is a good idea, hopefully their archivist isn't on permanent vacation like TDL's. lol

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