Security

Evolving security features that guard against misuse, fraud, and contamination from foreign coinage

Security is about strengthening the integrity of the coinage and making the coins even more resistant to counterfeiting. If your coins resemble each other or coins from another country, they risk being used fraudulently or improperly. Thanks to the diligent work of our engineers, scientists and technicians, and the participation of millions of coin users, we have developed innovative security measures with unprecedented effectiveness. GIVE YOUR COINS A UNIQUE IDENTITY SM&RT VISION—SM&RT is a promise that your country’s story is in safe hands. Thanks to its distinctive blend of EMS Security—All coins have an electro-magnetic signature innovative technology and skilled craftsmanship, SM&RT (EMS) and this security feature allows vending machines to delivers coins that—like your country—have a unique identity. identify a coin’s value. Multi-ply coins have the advantage And that means you can have complete peace of mind. of layered and which helps target a specific EMS range, reducing the potential for overlap and currency The is the global leader in minting mistakes. through people, innovation and quality.

THE INTEGRITY OF COINS IS EVEN MORE ROBUST GIVEN THE ADDITION OF VISIBLE SECURITY FEATURES INTRODUCING NEW SECURITY MEASURES OF Serrations—Variations to the serrations, commonly known UNPRECEDENTED EFFECTIVENESS as edge reeding, can be applied to the outside edge of the coin to provide enhanced security. Examples of this include Virtual Image—A special feature applied to the coin in which interrupted serrations (groups of serrations equally spaced) a different image is produced as the coin is turned from side and mini-scalloped. to side. The virtual image engraves different patterns on each side of two-sided grooves on the face of the coin. Edge Lettering—A special process is used to add edge lettering to the circumference of each coin. It can be applied Laser Mark Micro-engraving—The laser mark consists of a on a plain or in combination with an interrupted serration special design positioned within a circle on the coin. A series edge. of lines or dots created by a sophisticated laser technology form a unique pattern or image within the design itself. The Color—The Royal Canadian Mint is the first (and remains laser mark is produced during the manufacturing of the coins the only) mint in the world to issue a coloured circulation using a micro-engraved contrasting pattern. coin, with the 2004 introduction of the “red poppy” 25-cent commemorative circulation coin. Today, our oriented painting Coin Digital Non-desctructive Activation (DNA) Security— technology offers a unique coloured process that uses A patent-pending technology which reads the unique the latest robotics and vision systems to orient coins with surface structure of every coin to create a unique digital precision. With a palette of 16 different colors, we can paint “fingerprint”. This data is stored in a database and confirms as many as five colours on a single coin. the authenticity of every coin manufactured by the Mint even as the coin experiences normal wear during its life cycle. Bi-metal coins—Our patented locking mechanism for bi-metallic coinage is another great example of high security APPLICATIONS feature whereby the ring is made of one alloy composition • Circulations Coins and the insert is of another is another. • Numismatic Coins • Bullion, wafers, Security Tokens CONTACT US: [email protected] OR VISIT MINT.CA/SMART © 2012 Royal Canadian Mint. All rights reserved. rights All Mint. Canadian Royal © 2012