Euro Bills, or banknotes, are the physical form of currency used across the Eurozone. Currently, there are two distinct series of euro banknotes in circulation, each with its own unique designs and security features. This guide will provide a detailed overview of both series, helping you to identify and understand the euro bills you encounter every day.
The Europa Series: Modern Euro Banknotes
The Europa series is the second and most recent series of euro banknotes, designed with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting. This series includes six denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, and €200. Notably, the €500 banknote is not included in the Europa series. Let’s explore each denomination in detail:
€5 Euro Bill – Europa Series
- Color: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural Period: Classical
- Design Features: The €5 note showcases classical architectural styles, representing the early periods of European history.
€10 Euro Bill – Europa Series
- Color: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural Period: Romanesque
- Design Features: The €10 bill features Romanesque architecture, known for its rounded arches and sturdy structures, reflecting the medieval period.
€20 Euro Bill – Europa Series
- Color: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural Period: Gothic
- Design Features: The €20 note displays Gothic architectural elements, characterized by pointed arches and soaring heights, representing the high medieval era.
€50 Euro Bill – Europa Series
- Color: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Renaissance
- Design Features: The €50 euro bill showcases Renaissance architecture, known for its balance, proportion, and classical revival, symbolizing a period of cultural rebirth.
€100 Euro Bill – Europa Series
- Color: Green
- Size: 147 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
- Design Features: The €100 euro banknote highlights Baroque and Rococo architecture, styles characterized by ornate details and dramatic flair, representing the 17th and 18th centuries.
€200 Euro Bill – Europa Series
- Color: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
- Design Features: The €200 euro bill features iron and glass architecture, representing 19th-century industrial innovation and modern design.
The First Series: Original Euro Banknotes
The first series of euro banknotes was the original set introduced when the euro was launched. While gradually being replaced by the Europa series, these banknotes are still legal tender. The first series originally comprised seven denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. Let’s examine each denomination of the first series:
€5 Euro Bill – First Series
- Color: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural Period: Classical
- Design Features: Similar to the Europa series, the first series €5 note also features classical architecture.
€10 Euro Bill – First Series
- Color: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural Period: Romanesque
- Design Features: The first series €10 bill also showcases Romanesque architectural styles.
€20 Euro Bill – First Series
- Color: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural Period: Gothic
- Design Features: Gothic architecture is also represented on the first series €20 banknote.
€50 Euro Bill – First Series
- Color: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Renaissance
- Design Features: Renaissance architectural designs are consistently used for the €50 denomination across both series.
€100 Euro Bill – First Series
- Color: Green
- Size: 147 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
- Design Features: Baroque and Rococo styles are maintained for the €100 denomination in the first series.
€200 Euro Bill – First Series
- Color: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
- Design Features: Iron and glass architecture remains the theme for the €200 bill in the original series.
€500 Euro Bill – First Series
- Color: Purple
- Size: 160 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Modern 20th Century Architecture
- Design Features: The €500 banknote in the first series features modern 20th-century architecture, representing contemporary design. It is important to note that while still legal tender, the €500 banknote is no longer being issued since 2019.
Legal Tender and the Future of Euro Bills
Despite the introduction of the Europa series, all banknotes from the first series remain legal tender throughout the Eurozone. This means they can still be used for payments and as a store of value. Even the €500 note, while no longer printed, retains its legal tender status.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively developing a new series of euro banknotes. The European Central Bank (ECB) is involving the public in the design process. After conducting surveys in 2023, “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” have been selected as potential themes for the future euro bills. The final designs and the timeline for production and issuance of these new banknotes are expected to be decided by the ECB in 2026. This signifies an exciting evolution in the visual identity of euro bills, reflecting European values and natural heritage.
For more detailed information on the future of euro banknotes, you can visit the ECB website: ECB: Future banknotes
