FACET®

Type: Windowed security thread — combining public overt recognition with UV fluorescent properties

Overview

FACET® is a De La Rue proprietary windowed security thread for paper banknotes that combines visible public authentication characteristics with UV fluorescent properties in a single thread, providing simultaneous Level 1 overt and Level 2 semi-covert verification. It occupies the entry-level to mid-tier position in De La Rue's security thread portfolio, suited to lower and mid-range denominations where a simple, cost-effective thread with dual-level functionality is appropriate.

Technology & Effects

FACET® is a security thread which combines public recognition characteristics with ultra-violet properties. In reflected light under normal conditions, FACET® presents a standard metallic or windowed appearance visible to the public at Level 1. Under UV illumination (365nm blacklight), the thread fluoresces in a distinctive colour, providing the Level 2 teller verification step — a UV lamp check that can be performed quickly at a bank counter or retail point of sale without specialist equipment.

The thread incorporates demetallised text in its windowed areas, visible in transmitted light when the note is held to a light source — the denomination value, currency code, or central bank abbreviation appearing as clear characters against the metallic background of the thread. This transmitted-light verification provides a further public authentication step.

Form Factors & Application

FACET® is embedded in banknote paper as a windowed security thread during the paper manufacturing process, surfacing at intervals on the reverse of the note. It is available in narrow widths (documented deployments at 2mm on East Caribbean notes), making it suitable for lower denominations where thread width is constrained by note design or cost considerations. It is compatible with standard cotton banknote paper and is supplied to third-party printing works as well as being used on De La Rue-printed notes.

Security Levels

Level 1 (public): the windowed metallic thread is visible in reflected light and as a solid line in transmitted light, with demetallised clear text readable with the note held to light. Level 2 (teller/cashier): UV fluorescence provides a quick and unambiguous verification step using a standard UV lamp. The combination makes FACET® a robust entry-level thread for lower denominations where the full cost of a colour-shift or micro-optic thread may not be justified.

Notable Deployments

FACET® is deployed across the entire current East Caribbean States series, with the 2mm wide windowed thread carrying demetallised ECCB denomination text, printed by De La Rue. The Qatar Central Bank's 5th Series (launched December 2020) uses FACET® on the QR1 note — the lowest denomination of the series — with higher denominations carrying IGNITE®, PUREIMAGE™, and NEXUS™ respectively, illustrating FACET®'s positioning as the entry-level thread in a tiered denomination security architecture.

Name

FACET®

Category

Security Feature

Effect Types

Demetallised Machine readable UV

Company

De La Rue
Company Website

Product Page

View on Supplier Site

Linked Features

1 security feature