Euro banknotes are the tangible form of Euros Money, the currency used by the Eurozone countries within the European Union. These banknotes are not just pieces of paper; they represent the economic unity and cultural heritage of Europe. Currently, there are two series of euro banknotes in circulation, each with its own distinct design and security features. This guide will walk you through both series, highlighting their denominations, appearances, and the architectural periods they represent, offering a comprehensive look at euros money in banknote form.
The “Europa” Series: The Latest Euros Money Banknotes
The second and current series of euro banknotes is known as the “Europa” series. Introduced gradually over several years, this series incorporates enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting and maintains the visual appeal of euros money. The Europa series consists of six denominations, ranging from €5 to €200. Noticeably absent from this series is the €500 banknote, which is no longer issued, although existing ones remain legal tender.
€5 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
The €5 euro banknote in the Europa series is coloured grey and maintains a size of 120 x 62 mm. The architectural period represented on this banknote is Classical, reflecting the foundations of European civilization and culture within euros money.
€10 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
The €10 euro banknote from the Europa series is red in colour and slightly larger at 127 x 67 mm. This denomination of euros money showcases the Romanesque architectural period, known for its solid, rounded arches and robust structures.
€20 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
The blue €20 euro banknote in the Europa series measures 133 x 72 mm. Gothic architecture, with its soaring lines and pointed arches, is the architectural style featured on this denomination of euros money.
€50 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
The orange €50 euro banknote, sized at 140 x 77 mm in the Europa series, represents the Renaissance period. This era, known for its rebirth of classical art and learning, is symbolically important to the development of euros money and European identity.
€100 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
The green €100 euro banknote of the Europa series is 147 x 77 mm. This denomination of euros money showcases Baroque and Rococo architecture, known for its ornate and elaborate designs, representing a period of artistic flourishing across Europe.
€200 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
The yellow €200 euro banknote, measuring 153 x 77 mm in the Europa series, features Iron and Glass architecture. This modern architectural style reflects the industrial revolution and the innovation inherent in the concept of euros money.
The First Series: Still Legal Euros Money
The first series of euro banknotes was the original set introduced when the euro was launched. While gradually being replaced by the Europa series, all banknotes from the first series remain legal tender. This means they can still be used for payments and hold value as euros money. The first series originally included seven denominations, including the €500 banknote.
€5 Euro Banknote – First Series
Like its Europa series counterpart, the first series €5 euro banknote is grey, sized at 120 x 62 mm and represents the Classical architectural period in the context of euros money.
€10 Euro Banknote – First Series
The first series €10 euro banknote is red, slightly smaller than the Europa series version but with the same dimensions of 127 x 67 mm, and also features Romanesque architecture as part of the euros money design theme.
€20 Euro Banknote – First Series
The blue €20 euro banknote from the first series, measuring 133 x 72 mm, also showcases Gothic architecture, mirroring the Europa series in its representation of this architectural style within euros money.
€50 Euro Banknote – First Series
The orange €50 euro banknote in the first series, sized at 140 x 77 mm, similarly represents the Renaissance period, maintaining consistency in the architectural theme across both series of euros money.
€100 Euro Banknote – First Series
The green €100 euro banknote of the first series is 147 x 82 mm, slightly wider than the Europa series, but still features Baroque and Rococo architecture, reinforcing the artistic heritage embodied in euros money.
€200 Euro Banknote – First Series
The yellow €200 euro banknote from the first series, measuring 153 x 82 mm, also represents Iron and Glass architecture, consistent with the Europa series in its depiction of modern architectural styles on euros money.
€500 Euro Banknote – First Series
The €500 euro banknote, no longer issued but still legal tender as euros money, is purple in colour in the first series and is the largest banknote at 160 x 82 mm. It represents Modern 20th-century architecture, a departure towards more contemporary themes compared to other denominations.
Legal Tender and the Future of Euros Money Banknotes
It’s important to remember that all first series euro banknotes, including the €500, remain legal tender. This reinforces their continued validity as euros money for transactions and savings. Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively developing a new series of banknotes, emphasizing public input in the design process. Themes under consideration for future euros money banknotes include “European culture” and “Rivers and birds,” reflecting a move towards themes that resonate with European citizens. The final designs and the timeline for production and issuance of these new banknotes are expected to be decided by the European Central Bank (ECB) in 2026, marking the next evolution in the story of euros money.
For more detailed information, you can visit the ECB website dedicated to future banknotes: ECB: Future banknotes
