Euro banknotes are a tangible representation of European unity and are used daily by millions across the Eurozone and beyond. It’s essential to understand the different denominations of euro bills, not just for everyday transactions but also for appreciating the currency’s design and security features. Currently, two series of euro banknotes are in circulation, each with distinct characteristics and denominations. This guide will provide a detailed overview of Euro Denominations Bills, covering both the original first series and the more contemporary Europa series.
Exploring the Europa Series Euro Banknotes
The Europa series is the second and current series of euro banknotes, designed with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting and to reflect a more modern European identity. This series omits the €500 denomination, focusing on the denominations more commonly used in everyday transactions. Let’s examine each euro denomination bill within the Europa series:
€5 Euro Bill: Grey and Classical Architecture
The €5 euro bill is the smallest denomination in the Europa series and is easily recognizable by its grey color. Like all euro banknotes, it features architectural styles from European history, in this case, Classical architecture, representing the era of ancient Greece and Rome.
Key Features of the €5 Europa Series Banknote:
- Colour: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural Period: Classical
€10 Euro Bill: Red and Romanesque Design
Moving up in value, the €10 euro bill is characterized by its vibrant red color. The design elements on this banknote are inspired by the Romanesque architectural period, prevalent in Europe during the 11th and 12th centuries.
Key Features of the €10 Europa Series Banknote:
- Colour: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural Period: Romanesque
€20 Euro Bill: Blue and Gothic Era Architecture
The €20 euro bill sports a blue hue and showcases architectural motifs from the Gothic period. Gothic architecture, known for its grandeur and intricate designs, flourished in Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries.
Key Features of the €20 Europa Series Banknote:
- Colour: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural Period: Gothic
€50 Euro Bill: Orange and Renaissance Style
The orange €50 euro bill represents the Renaissance architectural period. The Renaissance, a transformative era in European history, spanned from the 14th to the 17th centuries and was marked by a renewed interest in classical art and learning.
Key Features of the €50 Europa Series Banknote:
- Colour: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Renaissance
€100 Euro Bill: Green and Baroque & Rococo Art
The €100 euro bill is green and features architectural styles from the Baroque and Rococo periods. These artistic movements, known for their ornate and dramatic designs, were prominent in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Key Features of the €100 Europa Series Banknote:
- Colour: Green
- Size: 147 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
€200 Euro Bill: Yellow and Iron & Glass Architecture
The highest denomination currently in the Europa series is the €200 euro bill, colored yellow. This banknote represents the Iron and Glass architecture of the 19th and early 20th centuries, a period of industrial innovation and new building materials.
Key Features of the €200 Europa Series Banknote:
- Colour: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Iron and Glass architecture
The First Series of Euro Banknotes: Still Legal Tender
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, including the €500 bill, which is no longer issued. Understanding the first series denominations is still relevant as they are still in circulation.
€5 Euro Bill (First Series): Grey and Classical Style
Mirroring the Europa series, the first series €5 euro bill is also grey and represents Classical architecture.
Key Features of the First Series €5 Banknote:
- Colour: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural Period: Classical
€10 Euro Bill (First Series): Red and Romanesque Design
The first series €10 euro bill is red and showcases Romanesque architectural elements, just like its Europa series counterpart.
Key Features of the First Series €10 Banknote:
- Colour: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural Period: Romanesque
€20 Euro Bill (First Series): Blue and Gothic Architecture
The blue €20 euro bill in the first series also features Gothic architecture, consistent with the theme of the Europa series €20 note.
Key Features of the First Series €20 Banknote:
- Colour: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural Period: Gothic
€50 Euro Bill (First Series): Orange and Renaissance Style
Continuing the color and theme consistency, the first series €50 euro bill is orange and depicts Renaissance architecture.
Key Features of the First Series €50 Banknote:
- Colour: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Renaissance
€100 Euro Bill (First Series): Green and Baroque & Rococo Art
The green €100 euro bill in the first series showcases Baroque and Rococo architectural styles, mirroring the Europa series design.
Key Features of the First Series €100 Banknote:
- Colour: Green
- Size: 147 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
€200 Euro Bill (First Series): Yellow and Iron & Glass Architecture
The first series also includes a yellow €200 euro bill, representing Iron and Glass architecture, consistent with the Europa series.
Key Features of the First Series €200 Banknote:
- Colour: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Iron and Glass architecture
€500 Euro Bill (First Series): Purple and Modern 20th Century Architecture
The highest denomination in the first series, and no longer issued, is the €500 euro bill, distinguished by its purple color. This banknote features Modern 20th-century architecture. While no longer printed since 2019, these bills remain legal tender.
Key Features of the First Series €500 Banknote:
- Colour: Purple
- Size: 160 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Modern 20th century architecture
Legal Tender and the Future of Euro Banknotes
It’s important to reiterate that all banknotes from both the first and Europa series are legal tender across the Eurozone. This means they can be used for payments and as a store of value. Although the first series is being phased out in favor of the Europa series, and the €500 denomination is no longer issued, they still hold monetary value.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively developing a new series of banknotes. Public surveys conducted in 2023 have helped shape the potential themes, with “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” emerging as frontrunners. The final designs and the timeline for production and issuance of these future euro banknotes are expected to be decided by the ECB in 2026. This ongoing evolution ensures that euro denominations bills remain relevant, secure, and reflective of European identity.
By understanding the different euro denominations bills, their designs, and their history, users can gain a greater appreciation for this important symbol of European integration and economic stability.
