Euro banknotes are a tangible symbol of European unity, used daily by millions across the Eurozone. These banknotes come in various denominations, each with distinct characteristics that are important for everyday transactions and understanding the euro currency system. This guide will explore the Denominations Of Euro Notes currently in circulation, detailing their designs, features, and significance.
First Series Euro Banknotes
The first series of euro banknotes was the original set issued when the euro was introduced. While gradually being replaced by the Europa series, these banknotes are still legal tender and widely accepted. This series includes seven denominations, each easily identifiable by its color and architectural theme.
€5 Euro Note (First Series)
Colour: Grey
Actual size: 120 x 62 mm
Architectural period: Classical
The €5 euro note, the smallest denomination in the first series, is grey in color and represents the Classical architectural period.
€10 Euro Note (First Series)
Colour: Red
Actual size: 127 x 67 mm
Architectural period: Romanesque
The red €10 euro note showcases the Romanesque architectural period and is the second smallest denomination.
€20 Euro Note (First Series)
Colour: Blue
Actual size: 133 x 72 mm
Architectural period: Gothic
The blue €20 euro note represents the Gothic architectural period, marking a step up in value and size.
€50 Euro Note (First Series)
Colour: Orange
Actual size: 140 x 77 mm
Architectural period: Renaissance
The orange €50 euro note features the Renaissance architectural period and is a commonly used denomination.
€100 Euro Note (First Series)
Colour: Green
Actual size: 147 x 82 mm
Architectural period: Baroque and rococo
The green €100 euro note depicts the Baroque and Rococo architectural periods, representing a higher value denomination.
€200 Euro Note (First Series)
Colour: Yellow
Actual size: 153 x 82 mm
Architectural period: Iron and glass architecture
The yellow €200 euro note showcases Iron and glass architecture, one of the highest value denominations still in circulation from the first series.
€500 Euro Note (First Series)
Colour: Purple
Actual size: 160 x 82 mm
Architectural period: Modern 20th century architecture
The purple €500 euro note, representing Modern 20th-century architecture, is the highest denomination in the first series, although its issuance was discontinued in 2019. It remains legal tender.
Europa Series Euro Banknotes
The Europa series is the second and current series of euro banknotes, designed with enhanced security features and a slightly updated look. This series includes six denominations, omitting the €500 note.
€5 Euro Note (Europa Series)
Colour: Grey
Actual size: 120 x 62 mm
Architectural period: Classical
Similar in color and theme to the first series, the Europa series €5 note maintains the grey color and Classical architecture theme.
€10 Euro Note (Europa Series)
Colour: Red
Actual size: 127 x 67 mm
Architectural period: Romanesque
The Europa series €10 note also retains the red color and Romanesque architectural style of its predecessor.
€20 Euro Note (Europa Series)
Colour: Blue
Actual size: 133 x 72 mm
Architectural period: Gothic
Continuing the color scheme, the €20 Europa series note is blue and represents the Gothic period.
€50 Euro Note (Europa Series)
Colour: Orange
Actual size: 140 x 77 mm
Architectural period: Renaissance
The orange €50 note in the Europa series remains a widely circulated denomination, maintaining the Renaissance theme.
€100 Euro Note (Europa Series)
Colour: Green
Actual size: 147 x 77 mm
Architectural period: Baroque and rococo
The green €100 Europa series note continues to feature the Baroque and Rococo periods.
€200 Euro Note (Europa Series)
Colour: Yellow
Actual size: 153 x 77 mm
Architectural period: Iron and glass architecture
The yellow €200 Europa series note remains the highest denomination in the current series, still featuring Iron and glass architecture.
Legal Tender and Future Banknotes
It’s important to remember that all first series euro banknotes, including the €500 note, remain legal tender. This means they can still be used for payments and as a store of value, even as they are gradually being replaced by the Europa series.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively developing a new series of banknotes. The themes of “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” are being considered for these future designs, reflecting public preferences gathered in surveys. The final designs and the timeline for production and issuance are expected to be decided by the ECB in 2026. This ongoing evolution ensures that euro banknotes remain secure, relevant, and representative of European identity.
