4  Self-explanatory function: clear and easy to understand without the need for extra information, eg colour shift inks; self-verifying function: a hidden feature becomes visible through the “verifier”, a special device integrated in the banknote such as fresnel lenses or polarisers. 5/6  In the ancient world, the famous Athen’s statesman Pericles ensured the prevention of counterfeiting.
At that time of precious metal currencies, this involved combating the filing or snipping off of the edges of gold coins, which is why Pericles made use of unique coin stamps in order to prevent this. It is therefore not without good reason that an EU project aimed at combating the counterfeiting of banknotes and coins has been given the name “Pericles”. 6/6