Euro Currency Bills are the banknotes of the Eurozone, the monetary union of the European Union. Managed by the European Central Bank (ECB), these banknotes are a symbol of European integration and are used daily by millions across the continent and beyond. Currently, two series of euro banknotes are in circulation, each with distinct features and denominations.
The Two Series of Euro Banknotes
There are two primary series of euro banknotes you might encounter: the first series, introduced in 2002, and the Europa series, which began circulation in 2013. The first series originally included seven denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. The Europa series, designed with enhanced security features and a refreshed look, consists of six denominations, omitting the €500 banknote.
Let’s explore each series in detail, starting with the newer Europa series.
Europa Series Euro Banknotes
The Europa series is named after Europa, a figure from Greek mythology, whose portrait is featured in the watermark and hologram of the banknotes. This series incorporates advanced security features to combat counterfeiting, making them more secure than the first series.
€5 Europa Banknote
- Color: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural Period: Classical
- Design Element: Features architectural styles from the Classical period, representing the age of reason and humanism.
This grey banknote is the smallest in the Europa series and showcases classical architectural motifs.
€10 Europa Banknote
- Color: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural Period: Romanesque
- Design Element: Depicts Romanesque architecture, symbolizing the medieval period’s art and building styles.
The red €10 note is slightly larger and highlights the robust and rounded arches characteristic of Romanesque design.
€20 Europa Banknote
- Color: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural Period: Gothic
- Design Element: Features Gothic architecture, known for its soaring heights and intricate details, reflecting an era of grand cathedrals and ornate structures.
The blue €20 banknote brings to life the pointed arches and vertical emphasis of Gothic architecture.
€50 Europa Banknote
- Color: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Renaissance
- Design Element: Showcases Renaissance architecture, representing the rebirth of classical art and learning, with its focus on symmetry and proportion.
The orange €50 note embodies the balanced and harmonious designs of the Renaissance period.
€100 Europa Banknote
- Color: Green
- Size: 147 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
- Design Element: Displays Baroque and Rococo architecture, characterized by elaborate ornamentation and dynamic movement, reflecting a period of grandeur and artistic flourish.
The green €100 banknote captures the dramatic curves and decorative richness of Baroque and Rococo styles.
€200 Europa Banknote
- Color: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
- Design Element: Represents the Iron and Glass architecture of the 19th century, symbolizing industrial innovation and modern engineering.
The yellow €200 note showcases the innovative use of materials and open, airy designs of the Iron and Glass architectural era.
First Series Euro Banknotes
The first series of euro banknotes were the original denominations introduced when the euro became physical currency. While gradually being replaced by the Europa series, they remain legal tender throughout the Eurozone. These banknotes also feature architectural styles, but with slightly different designs and security features compared to the Europa series.
€5 First Series Banknote
- Color: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural Period: Classical
- Design Element: Similar to the Europa series, it also features Classical architecture, but with a distinct design.
The first series €5 note, like its Europa series counterpart, is grey and depicts classical architectural elements.
€10 First Series Banknote
- Color: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural Period: Romanesque
- Design Element: Reflects Romanesque architecture, but with a unique visual representation compared to the newer series.
The red €10 banknote from the first series also illustrates Romanesque architectural styles.
€20 First Series Banknote
- Color: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural Period: Gothic
- Design Element: Represents Gothic architecture, maintaining the theme but with a different artistic interpretation.
The blue €20 first series banknote continues the architectural theme with Gothic designs.
€50 First Series Banknote
- Color: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Renaissance
- Design Element: Features Renaissance architecture, consistent with the Europa series in architectural period but distinct in design.
The orange €50 banknote of the first series displays Renaissance architectural motifs.
€100 First Series Banknote
- Color: Green
- Size: 147 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
- Design Element: Showcases Baroque and Rococo architecture, aligning with the Europa series in period but differing in artistic execution.
The green €100 first series banknote represents Baroque and Rococo architectural styles.
€200 First Series Banknote
- Color: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
- Design Element: Depicts Iron and Glass architecture, mirroring the Europa series in architectural period, yet with its own unique design elements.
The yellow €200 first series banknote portrays Iron and Glass architectural themes.
€500 First Series Banknote
- Color: Purple
- Size: 160 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Modern 20th Century Architecture
- Design Element: Uniquely features Modern 20th-century architecture, representing contemporary building styles.
The purple €500 banknote, while no longer issued since 2019, remains legal tender and is the largest denomination of the first series, showcasing modern architecture.
Legal Tender and the Future of Euro Banknotes
It’s important to remember that all banknotes from both the first and Europa series are legal tender within the Eurozone. This means they can be used for payments and as a store of value. Even though the €500 banknote from the first series is no longer being issued, it remains valid.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively working on designing a new series of euro banknotes. The ECB has involved European citizens in the process, conducting surveys to gather preferences on themes for future designs. “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” have been selected as potential themes for these new banknotes, reflecting Europe’s rich heritage and natural environment. A final decision on the designs and the timing for production and issuance of these new banknotes is expected in 2026.
For more detailed information about the future of euro banknotes, you can visit the ECB website.
Euro currency bills are not just pieces of paper; they are a tangible representation of European unity and a continuously evolving symbol of the Eurozone economy. Understanding their features and history provides valuable insight into this important currency.
