Euro banknotes are a tangible symbol of European unity, used daily by millions across the Eurozone. Understanding the different Denominations Of Euros is essential for anyone living in, traveling to, or doing business within this economic area. This article provides a detailed overview of the current euro banknote denominations, exploring their designs, security features, and historical context.
The Two Series of Euro Banknotes
Currently, two series of euro banknotes circulate: the first series, launched in 2002, and the “Europa” series, introduced gradually starting in 2013. Both series are legal tender throughout the Eurozone, but the Europa series incorporates enhanced security features and a refreshed design.
First Series Euro Banknote Denominations and Features
The first series of euro banknotes comprised seven denominations, ranging from €5 to €500. Each banknote features a distinct color, size, and architectural style representing different periods in European history.
€5 Euro Banknote (First Series)
- Colour: Grey
- Actual size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural period: Classical
The grey €5 banknote showcases classical architecture, symbolizing the foundations of European civilization.
€10 Euro Banknote (First Series)
- Colour: Red
- Actual size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural period: Romanesque
The red €10 banknote features Romanesque architecture, representing the development of art and architecture in the 11th and 12th centuries.
€20 Euro Banknote (First Series)
- Colour: Blue
- Actual size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural period: Gothic
The blue €20 banknote displays Gothic architecture, a style prevalent from the 12th to the 16th centuries, known for its grandeur and intricate designs.
€50 Euro Banknote (First Series)
- Colour: Orange
- Actual size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural period: Renaissance
The orange €50 banknote showcases Renaissance architecture, reflecting the period of artistic, cultural, and intellectual rebirth in Europe.
€100 Euro Banknote (First Series)
- Colour: Green
- Actual size: 147 x 82 mm
- Architectural period: Baroque and Rococo
The green €100 banknote represents Baroque and Rococo architecture, styles characterized by elaborate ornamentation and dramatic effects.
€200 Euro Banknote (First Series)
- Colour: Yellow
- Actual size: 153 x 82 mm
- Architectural period: Iron and glass architecture
The yellow €200 banknote features iron and glass architecture, symbolizing the industrial revolution and modern engineering.
€500 Euro Banknote (First Series)
- Colour: Purple
- Actual size: 160 x 82 mm
- Architectural period: Modern 20th century architecture
The purple €500 banknote, the highest denomination in the first series, depicts modern 20th-century architecture. It’s important to note that while still legal tender, the €500 banknote is no longer issued by most national central banks of the Eurosystem since 2019.
Europa Series Euro Banknote Denominations and Features
The Europa series builds upon the design of the first series but incorporates enhanced security features and a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology, hence the name. This series currently consists of six denominations, omitting the €500 banknote.
€5 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
- Colour: Grey
- Actual size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural period: Classical
The Europa series €5 banknote retains the grey color and classical architectural theme, but with updated designs and security elements.
€10 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
- Colour: Red
- Actual size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural period: Romanesque
The red €10 Europa banknote continues with the Romanesque architectural style, incorporating the Europa portrait and advanced security features.
€20 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
- Colour: Blue
- Actual size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural period: Gothic
The blue €20 Europa banknote maintains the Gothic theme while featuring the Europa portrait, hologram, and other security enhancements.
€50 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
- Colour: Orange
- Actual size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural period: Renaissance
The orange €50 Europa banknote continues the Renaissance theme, incorporating the Europa watermark and other advanced security elements for better protection against counterfeiting.
€100 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
- Colour: Green
- Actual size: 147 x 77 mm
- Architectural period: Baroque and rococo
The green €100 Europa banknote showcases Baroque and Rococo styles, and like other banknotes in this series, it includes enhanced security features and the Europa portrait.
€200 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
- Colour: Yellow
- Actual size: 153 x 77 mm
- Architectural period: Iron and glass architecture
The yellow €200 Europa banknote, the highest denomination currently in production, retains the iron and glass architecture theme and incorporates the full suite of Europa series security features.
Legal Tender and the Future of Euro Banknotes
All banknotes from both the first and Europa series remain legal tender across the Eurozone. This means they can be used for payments and are accepted as a store of value. While the first series is gradually being replaced, they continue to be valid.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively working on designing a new series of euro banknotes. Public surveys have played a role in selecting potential themes, with “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” currently under consideration. The final design and the timeline for production and issuance are expected to be decided by the European Central Bank in 2026. This indicates an ongoing evolution of euro banknotes, ensuring they remain secure, relevant, and reflective of European identity.
For more detailed information on the future of euro banknotes, you can visit the ECB website on future banknotes.
Understanding the denominations of euros, their designs, and security features is crucial for anyone interacting with this important currency. Whether you are a resident of the Eurozone, a traveler, or a business professional, this guide provides a valuable overview of euro banknotes and their ongoing development.
