The Universal Counterfeit and Altered Bank Note Detector, at Sight

"The Universal Counterfeit and Altered Bank Note Detector, at Sight" by Henry C. Foote is a handbook from the 1800s designed to educate and protect people from fake money. It lays out seven basic principles, which serve as a systematic plan to help people spot counterfeit and altered banknotes in the United States. People that used money, especially merchants, could learn techniques that would help them identify different clues and characteristics of real banknotes in great detail. The book explains engraving, printing, machinery, and includes pictures that highlight key elements in the process. Personal stories from those who used Foote's methods successfully are also found in the book, which helps readers learn how to quickly and accurately judge if a note is real or not when they handle money.