Guardian or Safeguard

Can anyone help me identify the difference between these two polymers on Egypt P81 B343

Banknote Book lists the Guardian notes before the Safeguard ones, so presumably those came first, but I'm not able to find any info online as to which prefixes use which substrate.

alansbanknotes

Can anyone help me identify the difference between these two polymers on Egypt P81 B343

Here is an answer that I got using AI:

Safeguard Features

Watermark: The Safeguard feature includes a watermark that displays a portrait of a significant figure. When held up to the light, this watermark should be visible on both sides.

Color Changing Ink: When tilting the note, the ink on certain areas changes color, creating an effect that is not easily replicated.

Microprinting: Small text or patterns incorporated into the design that cannot be seen without magnification.

Guardian Features

Holographic Stripe: The Guardian feature consists of a holographic strip that runs vertically along one side of the note, displaying different images or colors when tilted.

Invisible Ink: Under UV light, certain areas may glow or reveal hidden images that are not visible under normal light.

Security Thread: A thin metallic thread embedded in the note that is visible and runs alongside the edge.

Comparison Table

alansbanknotes

Can anyone help me identify the difference between these two polymers on Egypt P81 B343

Hello I am sorry what do u mean by B343?

Dr_Teek

alansbanknotes

Can anyone help me identify the difference between these two polymers on Egypt P81 B343

Hello I am sorry what do u mean by B343?

It's The Banknote Book's reference number for the type.

Thank you all for your replies. I checked my note against the table supplied by Redlock and find I have color changing ink, invisible ink but no watermark, no security thread. Therefore there is no conclusion. My note has all the features described in Numista N#332533. I have prefix 90.

alansbanknotes

 I checked my note against the table supplied by Redlock and find I have color changing ink, invisible ink but no watermark, no security thread. Therefore there is no conclusion. My note has all the features described in Numista N#332533. I have prefix 90.

Hm, very strange.

I ask AI about the differences again. This time, I got a an answer that is a bit different from the first one.

See:

Practical Tips for Identification (from AI)

Tilt the Note: 

Observe for color changes or holographic effects, which indicate it's likely a Guardian™ note.

Light Test for Watermark: 

Hold the note up to light to check for the watermark, a characteristic of Safeguard®.

UV Light Test: 

Use a UV light to see if any parts of the note glow, indicating features typical to the Guardian™ series.

My conclusion:

You have a note printed on Guardian

That table is bordering on pure nonsense. Both substrates are capable of having watermarks, for example.

I know someone who has a Banknote Book subscription. I'll ask them if it gives information on which blocks use which substrate so we can put this to rest.

He got back to me much quicker than I expected:

Blocks 1-13 are Guardian, Blocks 24-49 are Safeguard. Uncertain on the blocks between.

I have an example of B343a and 343c (which I presume is on Safeguard) and I don't see any meaningful difference in look or feel (besides the signature, of course).

TheGame

That table is bordering on pure nonsense. Both substrates are capable of having watermarks, for example.

 

First of all, the table was done by AI. We know that AI is not perfect – yet.

Secondly, while Guardian can have watermarks, does it have watermarks on the £10 note? It could have been omitted here. I don't know whether that has happened or not. 

Thirdly, the series are “D” (Dalet) not “H” The BNB is not correct here.

This type doesn't have a watermark.

As for the prefixes, the number is the important part for our needs, since the letter doesn't change.

How safe is it to assume that 343c is a safeguard. I am pretty new to world banknotes but I was an engineer. Everything must be accurate!!!!

Thank you all again for helping.

I would assume it's Safeguard unless evidence to the contrary pops up.