OPTICALLY VARIABLE SECURITY ELEMENT HAVING A REFLECTIVE SURFACE REGION

The invention relates to an optically variable security element (12) which is intended for protecting items of value and the surface extent of which defines a z axis perpendicular thereto, the element comprising a reflective surface region (20). The reflective surface region (20) contains a two-dimensional primary structure (22). The two-dimensional primary structure (22) is covered by a secondary structure (32) in the form of an embossed lacquer layer, which contains a stamped relief structure (34). In blocking regions the secondary structure has low transmissivity, and in transmissive regions (64) it has high transmissivity, to a crosslinking radiation, in particular to UV radiation. Also provided is a reflection-increasing coating (40), which coats the secondary structure (32) and, wherever the transmissive regions (64) are formed by clearances in the secondary structure (32), in the transmissive regions (64) also coats the primary structure (22). Arranged on the side of the two-dimensional primary structure (22) that is opposite from the secondary structure (32) there is, congruent with the transmissive regions (64), a crosslinked, translucently coloured chemical colour (28), which imparts a colour effect to the primary structure (22) in the transmissive regions (64).