Euro Paper Money, or banknotes, are the tangible representation of the Euro currency, used across the Eurozone. Currently, two distinct series of euro banknotes are in circulation, each telling a story of European unity and history. This guide will explore both series, highlighting their denominations, designs, and key features, providing a comprehensive overview for anyone interested in understanding euro paper money.
The Modern “Europa” Series of Euro Banknotes
The “Europa” series represents the second and current generation of euro paper money. This series is named after Europa, a figure from Greek mythology and a symbol of Europe. The Europa series banknotes incorporate enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting and maintain public trust in the currency. While the first series is gradually being phased out, both series remain legal tender. Notably, the Europa series omits the €500 denomination, focusing on the more commonly used values.
€5 Euro Europa Series Banknote
Color: Grey
Actual Size: 120 x 62 mm
Architectural Period: Classical
The €5 euro paper money in the Europa series is colored grey and showcases architectural designs from the classical period. Its compact size makes it easily recognizable and manageable for everyday transactions.
€10 Euro Europa Series Banknote
Color: Red
Actual Size: 127 x 67 mm
Architectural Period: Romanesque
The red €10 euro paper money of the Europa series features Romanesque architecture, bridging history with modern currency. Its slightly larger size distinguishes it from the €5 note.
€20 Euro Europa Series Banknote
Color: Blue
Actual Size: 133 x 72 mm
Architectural Period: Gothic
The blue €20 euro paper money in the Europa series showcases Gothic architectural art. This denomination is a commonly used banknote for everyday purchases across Europe.
€50 Euro Europa Series Banknote
Color: Orange
Actual Size: 140 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Renaissance
The orange €50 euro paper money from the Europa series displays Renaissance architecture, representing a period of European cultural and artistic flourishing.
€100 Euro Europa Series Banknote
Color: Green
Actual Size: 147 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
The green €100 euro paper money of the Europa series incorporates Baroque and Rococo architectural styles, known for their ornate and elaborate designs.
€200 Euro Europa Series Banknote
Color: Yellow
Actual Size: 153 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
The yellow €200 euro paper money in the Europa series features Iron and Glass architecture, representing the industrial revolution and modern architectural advancements.
The Original First Series of Euro Banknotes
The first series of euro paper money was introduced in 2002 and includes seven denominations, including the €500 banknote, which is not present in the Europa series. While being gradually replaced, these banknotes remain legal tender. They also depict architectural styles, albeit slightly different in artistic representation compared to the Europa series.
€5 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Grey
Actual Size: 120 x 62 mm
Architectural Period: Classical
The first series €5 euro paper money shares the same grey color and classical architectural theme as its Europa series counterpart.
€10 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Red
Actual Size: 127 x 67 mm
Architectural Period: Romanesque
Similar to the Europa series, the first series €10 euro paper money is red and features Romanesque architecture.
€20 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Blue
Actual Size: 133 x 72 mm
Architectural Period: Gothic
The blue €20 euro paper money in the first series also features Gothic architecture, mirroring the theme of the Europa series.
€50 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Orange
Actual Size: 140 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Renaissance
The orange €50 euro paper money of the first series maintains the Renaissance architectural theme.
€100 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Green
Actual Size: 147 x 82 mm
Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
The green €100 euro paper money in the first series also features Baroque and Rococo architecture. Note the slight size difference compared to the Europa series.
€200 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Yellow
Actual Size: 153 x 82 mm
Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
The yellow €200 euro paper money of the first series shares the Iron and Glass architecture theme. Again, note the slight size difference compared to the Europa series.
€500 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Purple
Actual Size: 160 x 82 mm
Architectural Period: Modern 20th Century Architecture
The purple €500 euro paper money is unique to the first series and represents Modern 20th-century architecture. Although no longer issued since 2019, it remains legal tender.
Legal Tender and the Future of Euro Paper Money
It’s important to remember that all banknotes from both the first and Europa series are legal tender across the Eurozone. This means they can be used for payments and as a store of value. While the first series is being gradually withdrawn from circulation, they remain valid. The €500 banknote from the first series, although no longer issued, also remains legal tender.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively developing a new series of euro banknotes. Public input has been crucial in this process, with “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” emerging as potential themes. The final designs and the timeline for production and issuance are expected to be decided by the European Central Bank (ECB) in 2026. This signifies an ongoing evolution of euro paper money, ensuring its security, relevance, and connection to European citizens.
For more detailed information, you can visit the ECB website for updates on future banknotes and other aspects of the euro currency. ECB: Future banknotes
Understanding euro paper money involves recognizing both its current forms and its ongoing development. Both the Europa and first series banknotes represent a shared European currency, while the future series promises to reflect evolving European identity and values.
