Identification of forged Bank of England £20 banknotes using IR spectroscopy.

Highlights: [•] A method to distinguish forged from genuine £20 banknotes has been developed. [•] Spectra may be recorded from paper or polymer film areas of the note for this purpose. [•] The method may be used with a simple bench-top FTIR. [•] Results may be supported by the use of IR-microscopy. [•] The method could readily be adapted for use by non-laboratory trained personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]