Top Private Banknote Printers: History, Services & Clients

Top Private Banknote Printers: History, Services & Clients delves into the intricate world of currency production. This article explores leading non-government banknote printers like ABNC, Bradbury Wilkinson, Crane, De La Rue, G+D, Oberthur, W&S, and more, revealing their historical contributions. Learn how these companies combine intricate art with advanced technology, becoming global leaders in developing secure and authentic paper money.

American Bank Note Company

History and Overview

The American Bank Note Company (ABNC) was established in 1858, consolidating several smaller firms specializing in engraving and printing. Located in New York City, ABNC quickly became a major player in the security printing industry. The company initially focused on producing banknotes, stock certificates, and various other secure documents. Over time, ABNC expanded its operations internationally, becoming a trusted name in the field of secure document printing. The company played a crucial role in standardizing the appearance and security features of banknotes, setting benchmarks that are still relevant today.

Services and Products

ABNC is renowned for its high-quality intaglio printing, which involves engraving designs onto a plate and then pressing the paper onto the plate to transfer the inked design. This method produces detailed and raised designs, making counterfeiting extremely difficult. ABNC’s portfolio includes a wide range of security products, such as passports, certificates, and various types of identification documents. The company also provides custom printing solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients, ensuring the highest level of security and authenticity.

Notable Clients

ABNC has printed currency for numerous countries, particularly in Latin America, where it became a preferred supplier for many national banks. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico have relied on ABNC for their banknote printing needs. Additionally, ABNC has worked with various private institutions, including banks and corporations, to produce secure documents such as stock certificates and bonds.

Bradbury Wilkinson and Company

History and Overview

Founded in 1856, Bradbury Wilkinson and Company began as an engraving and printing business in London. The company specialized in banknote printing and quickly gained a reputation for producing secure and visually appealing currency. Bradbury Wilkinson’s expertise in engraving allowed it to create intricate designs that were difficult to replicate, making their banknotes highly secure. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation helped it establish a strong presence in the global banknote printing market.

Services and Products

Bradbury Wilkinson offered a range of services, including the printing of banknotes, stamps, and other secure documents. The company was known for its intricate designs and high-security features, which included watermarks, security threads, and special inks. These features not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the banknotes but also made them more difficult to counterfeit. Bradbury Wilkinson’s products were characterized by their durability and attention to detail, ensuring that the banknotes remained in circulation for a long time.

Notable Clients

Bradbury Wilkinson provided banknotes for many British colonies and various other countries around the world. Its clients included the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian and African nations. The company’s reputation for quality and reliability made it a preferred choice for many national banks looking to enhance the security of their currency. In 1986, the company was acquired by De La Rue, another major banknote printer, but its legacy of quality and innovation in banknote printing remains influential.

Crane Currency

History and Overview

Crane Currency was founded in 1801 by Zenas Crane, Henry Wiswall, and John Willard in Dalton, Massachusetts. Initially, the company focused on producing high-quality paper, but it eventually expanded into the banknote industry. Crane Currency has become synonymous with durability and innovation in banknote substrates. The company’s long history of excellence in paper manufacturing provided a solid foundation for its venture into banknote printing, where it quickly established itself as a leader in the industry.

Services and Products

Crane Currency is the sole supplier of the paper used for U.S. currency. The company’s proprietary paper includes security features such as embedded security threads and watermarks, which are crucial in preventing counterfeiting. Crane Currency has also developed various other security features, including color-shifting inks and micro printing, to further enhance the security of its banknotes. The company’s commitment to innovation has led to the development of new materials and technologies that set the standard for the industry.

Notable Clients

The US government is certainly, Crane Currency's most notable client. In addition, the company’s reputation for producing high-quality, secure banknote substrates has made it a preferred supplier for many central banks around the world. Crane Currency’s ability to customize its products to meet the specific needs of its clients has helped it maintain a strong presence in the global market.

De La Rue

History and Overview

De La Rue, established in 1821 by Thomas de la Rue in London, is one of the oldest and most renowned banknote printers in the world. The company initially started as a printer of newspapers and playing cards before expanding into banknote printing. Over the years, De La Rue has grown into a global leader in secure printing and cash processing solutions, with operations in several countries and a reputation for excellence in design and innovation.

Services and Products

De La Rue is known for its pioneering security features, including holograms, color-shifting inks, and microprinting. The company has developed a wide range of products and services, including banknotes, passports, and identity documents, as well as cash processing and management solutions. De La Rue’s commitment to research and development has led to the introduction of new security technologies that enhance the durability and security of its products.

Notable Clients

De La Rue has printed banknotes for over 140 countries, making it one of the most prolific banknote printers in the world. Some of the Asian countries it has printed banknotes for include Burma, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. De La Rue’s ability to provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of different countries has helped it build strong relationships with its clients. The company’s innovations have set standards in the banknote printing industry, making it a trusted partner for many central banks.

Giesecke+Devrient

History and Overview

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) was founded in 1852 by Hermann Giesecke and Alphonse Devrient in Leipzig, Germany. The company began as a general printing and publishing firm but soon specialized in security printing, including banknotes. Over the years, G+D has grown into a global technology group, offering a wide range of products and services related to secure communications, digital identities, and payment systems.

Services and Products

Giesecke&Devrient is renowned for its advanced security features and high-quality printing techniques. The company has introduced numerous innovations, such as holographic security strips and color-shifting inks, to enhance the security of its banknotes. G&D’s product portfolio includes banknotes, passports, ID cards, and various digital security solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has made it a leader in the field of secure document production.

Notable Clients

G+D supplies Euro notes for the German Bundesbank. It has also printed banknotes for many central banks around the world, including Cambodia, Croatia, Ethiopia, Germany, Jamaica, Lithuania, Japan, Peru, Zaire, and Zimbabwe. The company’s ability to provide customized solutions that meet the specific needs of its clients has helped it build a strong presence in the global market. G+D’s reputation for quality and reliability has made it a trusted partner for many governments and financial institutions.

Harrison and Sons

History and Overview

Harrison and Sons, founded in 1750, started as a small print shop in London. The company initially focused on general printing but eventually became known for its work in security printing, including stamps and banknotes. Over the years, Harrison and Sons built a reputation for producing high-quality printed materials with intricate designs and advanced security features.

Services and Products

Harrison and Sons provided a wide range of security printing services, including the production of banknotes, stamps, and various secure documents. The company was known for its expertise in intaglio printing, which allowed it to create detailed and secure designs that were difficult to counterfeit. Harrison and Sons also offered custom printing solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients, ensuring the highest level of security and authenticity.

Notable Clients

Harrison and Sons provided banknotes for various British colonies and other countries around the world. The company’s reputation for quality and reliability made it a preferred choice for many national banks looking to enhance the security of their currency. In 1997, Harrison and Sons was acquired by De La Rue, but its legacy in banknote printing endures.

Oberthur Fiduciaire

History and Overview

Oberthur Fiduciaire, established in 1842 by François-Charles Oberthur in Rennes, France, started as a general printing business. Over time, the company specialized in security printing, including banknotes, and became a leading player in the industry. Oberthur Fiduciaire’s commitment to innovation and quality has helped it build a strong reputation in the global market for secure document production. In 2017, it merged with Morpho to form IDEMIA.

Services and Products

Oberthur Fiduciaire is known for its innovative security features, such as holograms, color-shifting inks, and tactile elements. The company’s product portfolio includes banknotes, passports, and various other secure documents. Oberthur Fiduciaire also offers custom printing solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients, ensuring the highest level of security and authenticity. The company’s focus on research and development has led to the introduction of new security technologies that enhance the durability and security of its products.

Notable Clients

Oberthur Fiduciaire has printed banknotes for numerous countries, especially France. The company’s reputation for producing high-quality, secure banknotes has made it a preferred supplier for many central banks around the world. Oberthur Fiduciaire’s ability to provide customized solutions that meet the specific needs of its clients has helped it build strong relationships with its clients.

Orell Füssli

History and Overview

Orell Füssli, founded in 1519 in Zurich, Switzerland, is one of the oldest printing companies in the world. The company began as a book publisher but eventually expanded into security printing, including banknotes. Over the years, Orell Füssli has built a reputation for producing high-quality printed materials with advanced security features.

Services and Products

Orell Füssli is known for its high-quality intaglio printing and advanced security features. The company’s product portfolio includes banknotes, passports, and various other secure documents. Orell Füssli also offers custom printing solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients, ensuring the highest level of security and authenticity. The company’s focus on research and development has led to the introduction of new security technologies that enhance the durability and security of its products.

Notable Clients

Orell Füssli has printed banknotes for the Swiss National Bank and numerous other countries around the world. The company’s reputation for producing high-quality, secure banknotes has made it a preferred supplier for many central banks. Orell Füssli’s ability to provide customized solutions that meet the specific needs of its clients has helped it build strong relationships with its clients.

Perkins Bacon

History and Overview

Perkins Bacon, founded in 1819 by Jacob Perkins and Joshua Bacon in London, began as an engraving and printing firm. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality banknotes and stamps. Over the years, Perkins Bacon’s expertise in steel plate engraving allowed it to create intricate designs that were difficult to replicate, making their banknotes highly secure.

Services and Products

Perkins Bacon is known for its pioneering work in steel plate engraving, which significantly improved the quality and security of banknotes. The company’s product portfolio includes banknotes, stamps, and various other secure documents. Perkins Bacon also offers custom printing solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients, ensuring the highest level of security and authenticity. The company’s focus on research and development has led to the introduction of new security technologies that enhance the durability and security of its products.

Royal Joh. Enschedé

History and Overview

Royal Joh. Enschedé, founded in 1703 in Haarlem, Netherlands, started as a general printing business. Over time, the company specialized in security printing, including banknotes and stamps. Over the years, Royal Joh. Enschedé has built a reputation for producing high-quality printed materials with advanced security features.

Services and Products

Royal Joh. Enschedé is known for its high-quality intaglio printing and advanced security features. The company’s product portfolio includes banknotes, passports, and various other secure documents. Royal Joh. Enschedé also offers custom printing solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients, ensuring the highest level of security and authenticity. The company’s focus on research and development has led to the introduction of new security technologies that enhance the durability and security of its products.

Notable Clients

Royal Joh. Enschedé currently prints Euro notes for five countries.

Waterlow and Sons

History and Overview

Waterlow and Sons, established in 1810 by James Waterlow in London, began as a general printing business. Over time, the company specialized in security printing, including banknotes and stamps. Over the years, Waterlow and Sons built a reputation for producing high-quality printed materials with intricate designs and advanced security features.

Services and Products

Waterlow and Sons is known for its high-quality intaglio printing and intricate designs. The company’s product portfolio includes banknotes, stamps, and various other secure documents. Waterlow and Sons also offer custom printing solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients, ensuring the highest level of security and authenticity. The company’s focus on research and development has led to the introduction of new security technologies that enhance the durability and security of its products.

Notable Clients

Waterlow and Sons provided banknotes for various British colonies and other countries around the world, including China, Hong Kong, Hyderabad, Persia, and Zanzibar. In 1961, Waterlow and Sons was acquired by De La Rue, but its legacy in banknote printing endures.

Conclusion

The history of banknote printing is rich with innovation and craftsmanship. Companies like the American Bank Note Company, Bradbury Wilkinson and Company, Crane Currency, De La Rue, Giesecke+Devrient, Harrison and Sons, Oberthur Fiduciaire, Orell Füssli, Perkins Bacon, Royal Joh. Enschedé and Waterlow and Sons have played pivotal roles in shaping the industry. Their contributions to security printing have ensured the integrity and trustworthiness of paper currency worldwide, making counterfeiting increasingly difficult and maintaining the confidence of the public in their national currencies. As technology continues to evolve, these companies will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of banknote printing, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of secure document production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What role do private companies play in banknote printing globally?

A: Private companies are essential in global banknote printing, combining art and advanced technology to ensure currency security and authenticity. Over centuries, they've pioneered security features and printing techniques, contributing significantly to the development and proliferation of paper money worldwide, often serving numerous central banks and governments.

Q: Name some of the oldest and most prominent non-government banknote printers.

Some of the oldest and most prominent non-government banknote printers include De La Rue (est. 1821), Crane Currency (est. 1801), Giesecke+Devrient (est. 1852), American Bank Note Company (ABNC) (est. 1858), Bradbury Wilkinson and Company (est. 1856), and Orell Füssli (est. 1519, initially a publisher).

Q: Which banknote printers are known for specializing in specific materials or unique security features?

A: Crane Currency is the sole supplier of paper for U.S. currency, known for proprietary paper with embedded security threads and watermarks. De La Rue and Giesecke+Devrient are renowned for pioneering holograms and color-shifting inks. Perkins Bacon was known for pioneering steel plate engraving, while Orell Füssli is noted for high-quality intaglio printing.

Q: Which of these private printers have historically served British colonies or Asian countries?

A: Many have. De La Rue has printed for over 140 countries, including Burma, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Bradbury Wilkinson and Harrison and Sons also provided notes for many British colonies. Waterlow and Sons printed for Hong Kong and other Asian regions, and ABNC was prominent in Latin America but also had global reach.