How to Tell if a 10 Dollar Bill is Real

**1. **Feel the Texture: The $10 bill has a unique texture that you can feel with your fingers. Genuine bills are made from a special blend of cotton and linen, giving them a distinct, slightly rough texture. Fake bills often feel smooth or unusually slick. Run your fingers over the bill and pay attention to its texture.

**2. **Check the Watermark: Hold the bill up to the light and look for the watermark. On a genuine $10 bill, you should see a watermark of Alexander Hamilton, the bill’s portrait, on the right side of the bill. The watermark should be visible from both sides of the bill and should align perfectly with the printed portrait.

**3. **Inspect the Security Thread: Genuine $10 bills feature a security thread embedded in the paper. This thread is a thin, vertical strip that you can see when you hold the bill up to the light. The thread is imprinted with the words "USA TEN" and changes color when you tilt the bill. Counterfeit bills often lack this thread or have a poorly imitated one.

**4. **Look for Microprinting: Examine the bill closely using a magnifying glass. Genuine $10 bills include tiny text, known as microprinting, in various places. For instance, you should find the words "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" microprinted along the border of Hamilton’s portrait. Counterfeit bills often miss this detail or have blurry text.

**5. **Check the Color-Shifting Ink: Tilt the bill to observe the color-shifting ink on the number "10" located in the lower right corner. On real bills, this number should change color from copper to green. Counterfeits may not replicate this effect accurately.

**6. **Use a UV Light: Under ultraviolet light, a genuine $10 bill will show additional security features. The security thread will glow in a specific color, and there might be other hidden patterns or colors visible under UV light. If the bill doesn’t exhibit these features, it might be counterfeit.

**7. **Verify the Raised Printing: Run your fingers over Hamilton’s portrait and the “TEN” on the bill. Genuine bills have raised printing that you can feel. Counterfeits often lack this raised texture or may not replicate it as accurately.

**8. **Examine the Bill’s Overall Quality: Genuine $10 bills are printed with high-quality ink and have sharp, clear lines. Look for any smudging or blurriness in the printing. Poor-quality printing is a strong indicator of a counterfeit bill.

**9. **Consult the Federal Reserve: If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of your $10 bill, you can contact the Federal Reserve or visit a local bank. Banks have advanced tools and expertise to verify currency and can assist in confirming whether your bill is real.

**10. **Educate Yourself Regularly: Stay updated on new security features and counterfeit detection methods. The technology used in currency design is continually evolving, so regular education on the latest features can help you stay ahead of counterfeiters.

By following these steps, you can significantly increase your chances of distinguishing genuine $10 bills from counterfeit ones. Regular practice and attention to detail will enhance your ability to identify fake currency and protect yourself from financial loss.**