Coinstar, Inc.

David J Brown

Scott J Scherer

Steven Geiger

Timothy Manion

Kirk W Beach

Daniel A Gerrity

Steven M Geiger

Timothy J Manion

Vouchers and methods for providing vouchers configured to assist in distinguishing unauthorized duplicate or counterfeit vouchers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a voucher can include a substrate, a first indicia on the substrate, and a thermally responsive second indicia on the substrate. At least one of the first indicia and the second indicia can indicate a value of the voucher. A system which assists in detecting alteration of value documents or transmissions, such as a coin counter voucher is provided. Voucher information such as the voucher value is included in the voucher in an encrypted or otherwise modified form. When the voucher is presented for redemptions, the encrypted information is decrypted and compared to independently available voucher information. Failure of the information to match indicates that the voucher has been altered or should otherwise be further checked.

Coin-discriminator voucher anti-counterfeiting method and apparatus

Anti-counterfeiting and counterfeit detection devices and procedures are provided particularly usable in connection with vouchers issued by coin discriminator or coin counting machines. Paper stock may be preprinted with inks which are not readily photocopied without apparent alteration. Preprinting is preferably in two or more orientations such as longitudinal and lateral and preferably some preprinting is positioned closer to the paper stock edge than can typically be achieved using ordinarily available laser printers or inkjet printers. A pattern of perforations, preferably micro perforations, are provided in a curved, preferably tightly radiused shape or configuration. Serial numbers or other identifiers may be preprinted on portions of the paper stock and matching or correlatable numbers printed on such preprinted paper stock substantially at the time of printing the voucher value. Patterns or indicia printed on one surface of the paper are preferably registered with respect to patterns or indicia printed on the opposite side such that a voucher may be validated by verifying proper registration such as when holding ha voucher up to a light.

Vouchers and methods for providing vouchers configured to assist in distinguishing unauthorized duplicate or counterfeit vouchers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a voucher can include a substrate, a first indicia on the substrate, and a thermally responsive second indicia on the substrate. At least one of the first indicia and the second indicia indicating a value of the voucher. In another embodiment, a method is provided to assist in distinguishing duplicate or counterfeit vouchers. The method includes providing a substrate with a thermally responsive first indicia, and printing on the substrate at the coin-counting machine at least a second indicia. The second indicia containing at least an indication of a value of the voucher.

Anti-counterfeiting and counterfeit detection devices and procedures are provided particularly usable in connection with vouchers issued by coin discriminator or coin counting machines. Paper stock may be preprinted with inks which are not readily photocopied without apparent alteration. Preprinting is preferably in two or more orientations such as longitudinal and lateral and preferably some preprinting is positioned closer to the paper stock edge than can typically be achieved using ordinarily available laser printers or inkjet printers. A pattern of perforations, preferably micro perforations, are provided in a curved, preferably tightly radiused shape or configuration. Serial numbers or other identifiers may be preprinted on portions of the paper stock and matching or correlatable numbers printed on such preprinted paper stock substantially at the time of printing the voucher value. Patterns or indicia printed on one surface of the paper are preferably registered with respect to patterns or indicia printed on the opposite side such that a voucher may be validated by verifying proper registration such as when holding a voucher up to a light.

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Issaquah, WA, United States of America

David J Brown