Euro banknotes are essential to the Eurozone’s economy, and understanding their denominations is crucial for residents and visitors alike. Currently, two series of euro banknotes circulate, each with distinct denominations designed for ease of use and security. This article will explore the Denominations Euros in detail, outlining the characteristics of both the first and Europa series.
Exploring the “Europa” Series Euro Denominations
The Europa series is the second and current series of euro banknotes, designed with enhanced security features and a refreshed look. This series omits the €500 denomination but includes six other denominations euros, each with a unique color, size, and architectural theme.
5 Euro Denomination (Europa Series)
- Color: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural Period: Classical
The €5 euro note, the smallest denomination in both series, is colored grey and represents the Classical architectural period.
10 Euro Denomination (Europa Series)
- Color: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural Period: Romanesque
The red €10 euro note features the Romanesque architectural style, bridging the gap between the smaller and mid-range denominations euros.
20 Euro Denomination (Europa Series)
- Color: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural Period: Gothic
The blue €20 euro note showcases the Gothic period, a significant era in European architectural history and a commonly used denomination euros.
50 Euro Denomination (Europa Series)
- Color: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Renaissance
The orange €50 euro note represents the Renaissance period, a time of cultural and artistic flourishing in Europe, and a widely circulated denomination euros.
100 Euro Denomination (Europa Series)
- Color: Green
- Size: 147 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
The green €100 euro note embodies the Baroque and Rococo periods, known for their ornate and elaborate designs, and is one of the higher denominations euros in common use.
200 Euro Denomination (Europa Series)
- Color: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
The yellow €200 euro note showcases Iron and Glass architecture, representing the industrial age, and is among the highest denominations euros still in production.
First Series Euro Banknote Denominations: Still Legal Tender
The first series of euro banknotes, while being gradually replaced by the Europa series, remains legal tender across the Eurozone. This original series included seven denominations euros, featuring similar architectural themes but with slightly different designs.
5 Euro Denomination (First Series)
- Color: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural Period: Classical
Similar to the Europa series, the first series €5 euro note is grey and represents the Classical era.
10 Euro Denomination (First Series)
- Color: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural Period: Romanesque
The first series €10 euro note, also red, continues with the Romanesque theme.
20 Euro Denomination (First Series)
- Color: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural Period: Gothic
The blue €20 euro note from the first series maintains the Gothic architectural representation.
50 Euro Denomination (First Series)
- Color: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Renaissance
The orange €50 euro note in the first series reflects the Renaissance period.
100 Euro Denomination (First Series)
- Color: Green
- Size: 147 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
The green €100 euro note of the first series also showcases Baroque and Rococo styles.
200 Euro Denomination (First Series)
- Color: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
The yellow €200 euro note from the original series continues the Iron and Glass architecture theme.
500 Euro Denomination (First Series)
- Color: Purple
- Size: 160 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Modern 20th Century Architecture
The purple €500 euro note, unique to the first series and no longer issued since 2019, represents Modern 20th-century architecture. Despite no longer being issued, it remains legal tender.
Legal Tender and the Future of Euro Banknotes
All denominations euros from both series are legal tender, meaning they can be used for payments and savings. Although the first series is being phased out in favor of the Europa series, both are valid. Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively developing a new series of banknotes, with “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” being considered as themes, reflecting public preferences and paving the way for the future of euro denominations. Understanding the current denominations euros is essential while these developments unfold.
