The euro, the official currency of the Eurozone, is represented in banknotes that are not just pieces of paper, but symbols of European unity and history. Currently, there are two distinct series of euro banknotes in circulation, each with its own set of denominations, designs, and security features. Understanding these denominations is key to navigating daily transactions and appreciating the artistry behind this common European currency.
Euro Banknote Denominations: Exploring the First Series
The first series of euro banknotes, launched in 2002, originally included seven different denominations. These denominations were designed to meet the needs of everyday transactions and varied in value, size, and color to aid recognition and prevent counterfeiting. Let’s delve into each denomination of the first series:
€5 Euro Banknote (First Series)
The €5 euro banknote, the smallest denomination, is colored grey and measures 120 x 62 mm. It features classical architectural styles, representing the period in European history.
Key Features:
- Colour: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architecture: Classical
€10 Euro Banknote (First Series)
The €10 euro banknote is red in color and slightly larger, measuring 127 x 67 mm. Its design showcases Romanesque architecture, a style prevalent in Europe during the 11th and 12th centuries.
Key Features:
- Colour: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architecture: Romanesque
€20 Euro Banknote (First Series)
Moving up in value, the €20 euro banknote is blue and measures 133 x 72 mm. The architectural style depicted is Gothic, representing the era from the 12th to 16th centuries, known for its grand cathedrals and intricate designs.
Key Features:
- Colour: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architecture: Gothic
€50 Euro Banknote (First Series)
The orange €50 euro banknote is larger still, at 140 x 77 mm. It features Renaissance architecture, reflecting the period of artistic and intellectual rebirth in Europe.
Key Features:
- Colour: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architecture: Renaissance
€100 Euro Banknote (First Series)
The green €100 euro banknote measures 147 x 82 mm and showcases Baroque and Rococo architecture. These styles, known for their elaborate ornamentation, dominated the 17th and 18th centuries.
Key Features:
- Colour: Green
- Size: 147 x 82 mm
- Architecture: Baroque and Rococo
€200 Euro Banknote (First Series)
The yellow €200 euro banknote, measuring 153 x 82 mm, represents Iron and Glass architecture, a nod to the industrial revolution and the innovative building techniques of the 19th century.
Key Features:
- Colour: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 82 mm
- Architecture: Iron and Glass Architecture
€500 Euro Banknote (First Series)
The highest denomination in the first series, the purple €500 euro banknote, is the largest at 160 x 82 mm. It features Modern 20th-century architecture, reflecting more contemporary designs. Although no longer issued since 2019, it remains legal tender.
Key Features:
- Colour: Purple
- Size: 160 x 82 mm
- Architecture: Modern 20th Century Architecture
Euro Banknote Denominations: The “Europa” Series
The second and current series of euro banknotes, known as the Europa series, builds upon the first series with enhanced security features and a slightly refreshed design. This series includes six denominations, omitting the €500 banknote. The name “Europa” comes from the figure from Greek mythology included in the banknote’s hologram and watermark, adding a pan-European element.
€5 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
The €5 euro banknote in the Europa series retains its grey color and 120 x 62 mm size. It continues to depict classical architecture, but with updated design elements and security features.
Key Features:
- Colour: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architecture: Classical
€10 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
The Europa series €10 euro banknote remains red and measures 127 x 67 mm. The Romanesque architectural theme is maintained, while incorporating the new series’ design and security upgrades.
Key Features:
- Colour: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architecture: Romanesque
€20 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
The blue €20 euro banknote in the Europa series is 133 x 72 mm. It continues to feature Gothic architecture, enhanced with the series’ updated design and security elements.
Key Features:
- Colour: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architecture: Gothic
€50 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
The orange €50 euro banknote of the Europa series is 140 x 77 mm. The Renaissance architectural theme is preserved, integrated with the Europa series’ advanced features.
Key Features:
- Colour: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architecture: Renaissance
€100 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
The green €100 euro banknote in the Europa series measures 147 x 77 mm. It continues to display Baroque and Rococo architecture, updated with the new series’ characteristics.
Key Features:
- Colour: Green
- Size: 147 x 77 mm
- Architecture: Baroque and Rococo
€200 Euro Banknote (Europa Series)
The yellow €200 euro banknote of the Europa series is 153 x 77 mm. It maintains the Iron and Glass architecture theme, now within the enhanced framework of the Europa series.
Key Features:
- Colour: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 77 mm
- Architecture: Iron and Glass Architecture
Legal Tender and the Future of Euro Banknotes
While the Europa series banknotes are gradually replacing the first series, all banknotes from both series remain legal tender across the Eurozone. This means that even the older series, including the €500 banknote which ceased issuance in 2019, can still be used for payments and as a store of value.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively developing a new series of banknotes, involving European citizens in the design process. “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” have been selected as potential themes for these future banknotes, reflecting public preferences gathered in 2023. The final designs and the timeline for production and issuance are expected to be decided by the European Central Bank in 2026, marking an exciting evolution in the visual representation of the euro currency.
By understanding the denominations, designs, and history of euro banknotes, users can better appreciate this vital aspect of the European economic landscape.
