Centre for the technical analysis and classification of counterfeitThe reproduction or alteration of a document or security element with the intent to deceive the public. A counterfeit banknote looks authentic and has been manufactured or altered fraudulently. In most countries, currency counterfeiting is a criminal offence under the criminal code. More euroThe name of the European single currency adopted by the European Council at the meeting held in Madrid on 15-16 December 1995. See ECU. More coins. The ETSC has been established within the European Commission in Brussels and uses for that purpose the facilities of the French MintAn industrial facility manufacturing coins. More in Pessac.