What Happens When You Scan a Banknote with a QR Code Reader?
Japanese Banknotes Don't Have QR Codes
Japan's 2024 new banknotes use holograms, watermarks, micro-text, color-shifting ink, and intaglio printing for anti-counterfeiting, but no QR codes. QR codes are too easily generated by anyone to serve as security features, and requiring smartphones for authentication isn't practical for currency.
QR Code Banknotes Do Exist Elsewhere
The world's first was Nigeria's commemorative 100-naira note, issued in December 2014 for the country's centenary. At issuance, scanning the code opened a website telling the story of Nigeria's first 100 years. Rather than preventing counterfeiting directly, the QR code served as a gateway to commemorative content. Some countries also add QR codes to commemorative notes linking to issuance history.
Photographing Banknotes with Smartphones
Some smartphones block banknote photography thanks to the EURion constellation, a special pattern of five small circles printed on notes. Image software like Adobe Photoshop also refuses to open detected banknote images. Not QR codes, but similarly 'invisible technology' embedded in currency.
Could Japanese Banknotes Get QR Codes?
Future QR codes on banknotes would likely serve information rather than security: scanning Shibusawa Eiichi's portrait could display his biography and economic contributions. However, banknote designs change only every few decades, and physical currency itself may not exist by then.
Coins May Suit QR Codes Better Than Notes
Laser-engraved QR codes on commemorative coins are more durable than printed ones on paper notes, which risk becoming unreadable from folding and wear. Metal-engraved codes remain scannable for years, making QR codes a natural fit for collector coins.