Euro bills are the tangible form of the single European currency, used daily by millions across the Eurozone. These banknotes are not just pieces of paper; they represent the economic unity of Europe and come with fascinating designs, security features, and a history of evolution. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about euro bills, from the different denominations to the two series currently in circulation and future developments.
Exploring the Europa Series of Euro Banknotes
The Europa series is the second and current series of euro banknotes, designed to be more secure and durable than the first series. It omits the €500 denomination but retains the other six, each with distinct colors, sizes, and architectural motifs from European history. Let’s delve into each denomination of the Europa series:
€5 Euro Bill: Classical Architecture in Grey
The €5 euro bill is grey in color and measures 120 x 62 mm. Its design represents the Classical architectural period, evoking the foundations of European civilization. The imagery is abstract, focusing on windows and gateways rather than specific monuments, symbolizing openness and cooperation.
€10 Euro Bill: Romanesque Style in Red
Colored red and slightly larger at 127 x 67 mm, the €10 euro bill showcases the Romanesque architectural style. This medieval European style, known for its rounded arches and sturdy structures, reflects a period of significant cultural and artistic development across Europe.
€20 Euro Bill: Gothic Grandeur in Blue
The blue €20 euro bill, measuring 133 x 72 mm, is designed with elements of Gothic architecture. This era, characterized by soaring cathedrals and intricate designs, represents a period of innovation and artistic expression that spread across Europe.
€50 Euro Bill: Renaissance Artistry in Orange
In orange and with dimensions of 140 x 77 mm, the €50 euro bill embodies the Renaissance period. This era of rebirth in art, science, and culture is symbolized by the banknote’s design, reflecting the transition from the medieval period to modernity.
€100 Euro Bill: Baroque and Rococo Elegance in Green
The green €100 euro bill, sized at 147 x 77 mm, features Baroque and Rococo architecture. These styles, known for their opulence and grandeur, represent a period of artistic flourish and ornate design across Europe.
€200 Euro Bill: Iron and Glass Architecture in Yellow
The yellow €200 euro bill, the largest in the Europa series at 153 x 77 mm, showcases Iron and Glass architecture. This modern style, representing the industrial revolution and innovative construction techniques, marks a significant shift in European architectural history.
The First Series of Euro Banknotes: A Transitioning Legacy
The first series of euro banknotes, while being gradually replaced, remains legal tender. It included seven denominations, from €5 to €500, and also featured architectural styles, though with slightly different designs. Here’s a look at the original euro bills:
Original €5 Euro Bill: Classical Era Grey Design
The first series €5 euro bill, like its Europa series counterpart, is grey and 120 x 62 mm, representing the Classical architectural period. While sharing the same theme, the design details differ, marking the evolution of euro banknote aesthetics.
Original €10 Euro Bill: Red Romanesque Representation
The red €10 euro bill of the first series, measuring 127 x 67 mm, also features Romanesque architecture. Again, subtle design variations distinguish it from the newer Europa series, reflecting updates in security features and visual elements.
Original €20 Euro Bill: Blue Gothic Style Depiction
The blue, 133 x 72 mm €20 euro bill in the original series portrays Gothic architecture. Similar to the other denominations, it shares the architectural theme with the Europa series but has distinct visual characteristics.
Original €50 Euro Bill: Orange Renaissance Theme
The orange €50 euro bill of the first series, with dimensions of 140 x 77 mm, represents the Renaissance period. The design, while thematically consistent, is unique to the first series, showcasing the banknote’s design evolution.
Original €100 Euro Bill: Green Baroque and Rococo Imagery
The green €100 euro bill from the initial series, measuring 147 x 82 mm, features Baroque and Rococo architecture. The slight size difference and design variations distinguish it from the Europa series version.
Original €200 Euro Bill: Yellow Iron and Glass Architecture
The yellow €200 euro bill in the first series, sized at 153 x 82 mm, depicts Iron and Glass architecture. Like other denominations, it shares the theme but has its own distinct design elements.
Original €500 Euro Bill: Purple Modern 20th Century Architecture
The purple €500 euro bill, the largest in the first series at 160 x 82 mm, showcases Modern 20th-century architecture. Although no longer issued since 2019, it remains legal tender, highlighting the enduring validity of all first series euro bills.
Legal Tender Status and the Future of Euro Bills
It’s important to remember that all banknotes from the first series, including the €500 bill, are still legal tender. This means they can be used for payments and savings, even as they are gradually being replaced by the Europa series. The discontinuation of the €500 bill’s issuance in 2019 reflects efforts to combat illicit activities, but existing bills remain valid.
The Eurosystem is actively planning the next generation of euro banknotes. Citizens are playing a vital role in this process, with “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” selected as potential themes for future designs based on public surveys in 2023. The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to finalize the designs and announce production and issuance timelines for these new banknotes in 2026, marking an exciting evolution in the visual identity of euro bills.
Have Your Say on Euro Banknote Quality
Your feedback is valuable in maintaining the quality of euro bills. Participate in the online survey about the condition of euro banknotes you use daily to contribute to this effort.
Learn More About the Future of Euro Banknotes
For more detailed information about the upcoming designs and plans for euro banknotes, visit the ECB website.
