The People’s Bank of China : “Floating Light Mirage” Technology on Minting Dies

China

In recent years, China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation has been intensively focusing on the development of new anti-counterfeiting technologies for coins. Leveraging the advantages of its industrial equipment and integrating cutting-edge optical imaging technologies, CBPM has developed a series of new die manufacturing technologies, seeking new breakthroughs in coin anti-counterfeiting.
Unlike the few existing international products that employ optical imaging technology, the “Floating Light Mirage” technology works as follows: when a coin surface is illuminated by a directional light source at a specific angle, the light triggers the projection of a regular pattern onto another planar medium. By developing optical imaging technology on dies through the principle of the light projection, this technology not only raises the technical threshold of covert anti-counterfeiting but also meets the needs of public recognition, while preserving the integrity of the artistic expression of the coin’s overall design. As a result, it achieves a new breakthrough in the R&D and application of coin anti-counterfeiting technology.

High Barrier to Counterfeiting

Unlike conventional engraving processes, the “Floating Light Mirage” technology incorporates a proprietary core algorithm for micro-structures, independently developed by technical personnel. It features a common processing method yet is extremely difficult to counterfeit. The design precision of the pattern micro-structures reaches the micrometer level. When existing laser scanning equipment is used for 3D reconstruction, the loss of fidelity compared to the original design is significant. This high level of design precision fundamentally eliminates the possibility of counterfeiting through image-based replication.

Controllable Production Cost
Through algorithm optimization and repeated simulations, the resulting relief textures can be machined in a single pass on existing engraving machines. The mass production process requires no specialized processing equipment, no additional special steps, and no special consumables, thus adding no extra cost to coin manufacturing. Moreover, during batch stamping, product testing confirms that the projected image remains stable and clear, perfectly matching the service life requirements of the dies.

The “Floating Light Mirage” technology is based on the design principle of surface visual recognition and represents both an inheritance and enhancement of traditional technologies. Behind this technology lies a profound shift in design thinking. The establishment and application of an AI-assisted design system are reshaping the R&D process for anti-counterfeiting technologies, bringing about a new transformation in the way anti-counterfeiting features are presented.

Wide Range of Application Scenarios
With its unique visual effects, the “Floating Light Mirage” technology is adaptable to almost all coin categories, including circulation coins, commemorative circulation coins, and precious metal commemorative coins. Its core advantages are as follows:
1.High processing versatility: The entire process relies on a CNC-based manufacturing system. Engraving equipment is widely available, making the technology highly replicable and versatile. The imaging results are stable, with fine and clear details.

2.Strong mass production capability: This technology enables batch transfer of the pattern without any loss of detail during processing, ensuring stable mass production.
3.Low public recognition threshold: No specialized authentication equipment or special light sources are required. Focusing directional light sources such as flashlights or smartphone camera flashes can quickly project the proprietary pattern features.
4.Seamless integration with the coin design: The projected pattern is hidden in the mirror area of the die, creating a covert design that does not interrupt the main design or visual effect of the coin surface. While effectively enhancing anti-counterfeiting performance, it maximally preserves the design’s layering and ambiance.

Compared to conventional die-making processes, the “Floating Light Mirage” technology generates no additional waste, emissions, or noise, and poses no extra environmental impact—fully meeting environmental standards.