Euro Currency Bills And Coins are the physical representation of the Euro, the official currency of the Eurozone and widely used across Europe. Understanding the different denominations, designs, and features of euro banknotes and coins is essential for anyone living in, traveling to, or doing business within the Eurozone. This guide provides a detailed overview of the euro currency, focusing on both banknotes and coins currently in circulation.
Euro Banknotes: Two Series in Circulation
Currently, there are two series of euro banknotes that are considered legal tender: the first series, introduced in 2002, and the “Europa” series, which began circulation in 2013. Both series are valid for transactions across the Eurozone, and while the first series is gradually being replaced by the Europa series, it remains an accepted form of payment.
The “Europa” Series Banknotes
The Europa series is the second and current series of euro banknotes. It is named after Europa, a figure from Greek mythology, whose portrait is featured in the watermark and hologram of each banknote. This series incorporates enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting and has a refreshed design while maintaining the “ages and styles” theme of the first series. The Europa series consists of six denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, and €200. Notably, the €500 banknote was not included in the Europa series and is no longer issued, although first series €500 notes remain legal tender.
€5 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The €5 banknote, the smallest denomination in the Europa series, is grey in color and measures 120 x 62 mm. Its design represents the Classical architectural period.
€10 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The €10 banknote is red, sized at 127 x 67 mm, and its architectural style is Romanesque.
€20 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
Colored blue, the €20 banknote measures 133 x 72 mm and showcases Gothic architecture.
€50 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The €50 banknote is orange, with dimensions of 140 x 77 mm, and represents the Renaissance period.
€100 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
Green in color, the €100 banknote is 147 x 77 mm and features Baroque and Rococo architectural styles.
€200 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The €200 banknote is yellow, measuring 153 x 77 mm, and its design represents Iron and glass architecture.
The First Series Banknotes
The first series of euro banknotes was the original set issued when the euro was first introduced in 2002. It shares the same “ages and styles” theme as the Europa series, depicting architectural styles from different periods of European history. The first series originally included seven denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. While gradually being replaced by the Europa series, these banknotes are still legal tender.
€5 Euro Banknote First Series
The first series €5 banknote is also grey and the same size as the Europa series €5 note (120 x 62 mm), representing the Classical period.
€10 Euro Banknote First Series
Red in color and measuring 127 x 67 mm, the first series €10 banknote, like its Europa series counterpart, showcases Romanesque architecture.
€20 Euro Banknote First Series
The blue €20 banknote of the first series, sized 133 x 72 mm, also reflects the Gothic architectural style.
€50 Euro Banknote First Series
Orange and 140 x 77 mm, the first series €50 banknote represents the Renaissance era.
€100 Euro Banknote First Series
The green €100 banknote from the first series, measuring 147 x 82 mm, depicts Baroque and Rococo architecture.
€200 Euro Banknote First Series
Yellow and 153 x 82 mm, the first series €200 banknote features Iron and glass architecture.
€500 Euro Banknote First Series
The largest denomination in the first series, the €500 banknote, is purple and measures 160 x 82 mm. It showcases Modern 20th-century architecture. Although issuance of the €500 note ceased in 2019, it remains legal tender.
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 throughout the Eurozone. This means they can be used for all transactions and are accepted as a store of value. Even though the first series is being phased out and the €500 note is no longer being produced, they retain their value.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively working on designing a new series of euro banknotes. The European Central Bank (ECB) is involving citizens in this process and has selected “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” as potential themes for the future designs, based on public surveys conducted in 2023. A final decision on the designs and the timeline for production and issuance of these new banknotes is expected in 2026. This demonstrates a commitment to the evolution and continued relevance of euro currency bills in the future.
For more detailed information, you can visit the ECB website for updates on future banknotes and other aspects of the euro currency.
