The European Central Bank (ECB) has officially released the redesigned 200 euro banknote, marking the culmination of the Europa series. This latest denomination, along with the new 100 euro note, began circulating on May 28, 2019, bringing advanced security features and a refreshed design to the Eurozone’s banknotes. Following the successful introduction of the new €5, €10, €20, and €50 notes, the 200 Euro Note completes the Europa series, ensuring a more secure and user-friendly currency for millions.
The new 200 euro note incorporates cutting-edge security technology, making it significantly harder to counterfeit. Like its counterparts in the Europa series, the 200 euro note is easily verifiable using the simple “feel, look and tilt” method. One of the most striking new features is the satellite hologram, located at the top of the silvery stripe. This innovative hologram displays tiny € symbols that orbit the denomination number, becoming distinctly visible under direct light. The silvery stripe also showcases the portrait of Europa, the mythological figure after whom the series is named, along with an architectural motif and a prominent € symbol.
Further enhancing its security, the 200 euro note features an enhanced emerald number. This color-shifting number, a hallmark of the Europa series, is taken a step further on the 200 euro note. Within the emerald number itself, you can now see € symbols, providing another layer of authentication and visual appeal. These advanced security elements are designed to protect businesses and the public from fraudulent banknotes, maintaining trust and confidence in the euro.
Beyond security enhancements, the ECB has also made adjustments to the size of the 200 euro note for improved handling and durability. The new 200 euro note now shares the same height as the 50 euro note. While its length remains unchanged – adhering to the principle that banknote length indicates value – this standardized height across the €50, €100, and €200 denominations offers several practical benefits. These notes are now easier for machines to process, simplifying transactions for businesses that handle large volumes of cash. They also fit more comfortably in wallets and are less prone to wear and tear, extending their lifespan and reducing replacement costs.
In addition to the visible security features, the 200 euro note includes enhanced machine-readable security features. These sophisticated elements are crucial for automated processing and authentication, allowing banknote-handling machines and authentication devices to quickly and accurately verify the notes. The Eurosystem, comprising the ECB and the national central banks of the Eurozone, has been actively supporting manufacturers and owners of these machines in preparing for the new banknotes. This support includes facilitating equipment testing and providing a list of validated banknote-processing machines, ensuring a smooth transition and continued efficiency in cash handling.
With the introduction of the new 200 euro note and its enhanced security features, the ECB reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the euro banknotes. These advancements provide robust protection against counterfeiting, making the 200 euro note, and the entire Europa series, more secure, reliable, and user-friendly for all.
