Euro banknotes are the tangible representation of the Eurosystem’s single currency, used daily by millions across the Eurozone, including Spain (España). These banknotes are not just pieces of paper; they are symbols of European integration and a shared economic space. Understanding the different series and features of Euro banknotes is essential for anyone living in or traveling to Spain and other Eurozone countries.
The Two Series of Euro Banknotes: First and Europa
Since their introduction in 2002, Euro banknotes have undergone an evolution, resulting in two distinct series: the first series and the more recent Europa series. Both series circulate in Spain and are legal tender, but understanding their differences can be helpful.
Europa Series: The Latest Generation of Euro Banknotes
The Europa series is the second and current series of euro banknotes, designed with enhanced security features and a refreshed visual appeal. Named after Europa, a figure from Greek mythology and the namesake of our continent, this series aims to make counterfeiting even more difficult and to maintain public trust in the euro. Notably, the Europa series omits the €500 banknote denomination.
5 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The €5 banknote in the Europa series is colored grey and represents the Classical architectural period. It measures 120 x 62 mm.
Alt: Europa series 5 euro banknote reverse side, grey color, classical architecture depiction.
Alt: Europa series 5 euro banknote obverse side, grey color, classical architectural style.
10 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The €10 banknote in the Europa series is red in color and showcases the Romanesque architectural period. Its dimensions are 127 x 67 mm.
Alt: Europa series 10 euro banknote reverse, red color, Romanesque architectural design.
Alt: Europa series 10 euro banknote front, red color, representing Romanesque architecture.
20 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The blue €20 banknote of the Europa series depicts the Gothic architectural period and measures 133 x 72 mm.
Alt: Europa series 20 euro banknote reverse, blue color, Gothic architecture illustration.
Alt: Europa series 20 euro banknote obverse, blue color, showcasing Gothic architectural period.
50 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The orange €50 banknote in the Europa series represents the Renaissance architectural period and has dimensions of 140 x 77 mm.
Alt: Europa series 50 euro banknote reverse side, orange color, Renaissance architecture theme.
Alt: Europa series 50 euro banknote front side, orange color, depicting Renaissance architectural style.
100 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The €100 banknote of the Europa series is green and represents the Baroque and Rococo architectural periods. It measures 147 x 77 mm.
Alt: Europa series 100 euro banknote obverse, green color, Baroque and Rococo architecture design.
Alt: Europa series 100 euro banknote reverse, green color, illustrating Baroque and Rococo architectural period.
200 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The yellow €200 banknote from the Europa series showcases Iron and glass architecture and measures 153 x 77 mm.
Alt: Europa series 200 euro banknote obverse, yellow color, Iron and glass architecture representation.
Alt: Europa series 200 euro banknote reverse, yellow color, depicting Iron and glass architectural style.
First Series: The Original Euro Banknotes
The first series of euro banknotes was introduced in 2002. While gradually being replaced by the Europa series, these banknotes remain legal tender in Spain and across the Eurozone. They also feature architectural styles, representing different periods of European history.
5 Euro Banknote First Series
The first series €5 banknote is also grey, like its Europa series counterpart, and represents the Classical architectural period, measuring 120 x 62 mm.
Alt: First series 5 euro banknote reverse, grey color, classical architecture depiction.
Alt: First series 5 euro banknote obverse, grey color, classical architectural style.
10 Euro Banknote First Series
The first series €10 banknote is red and depicts the Romanesque architectural period, with dimensions of 127 x 67 mm.
Alt: First series 10 euro banknote reverse, red color, Romanesque architecture design.
Alt: First series 10 euro banknote obverse, red color, representing Romanesque architecture.
20 Euro Banknote First Series
The blue €20 banknote of the first series illustrates the Gothic architectural period, measuring 133 x 72 mm.
Alt: First series 20 euro banknote reverse, blue color, Gothic architecture illustration.
Alt: First series 20 euro banknote obverse, blue color, showcasing Gothic architectural period.
50 Euro Banknote First Series
The orange €50 banknote of the first series represents the Renaissance architectural period and has dimensions of 140 x 77 mm.
Alt: First series 50 euro banknote reverse, orange color, Renaissance architecture theme.
Alt: First series 50 euro banknote obverse, orange color, depicting Renaissance architectural style.
100 Euro Banknote First Series
The green €100 banknote from the first series depicts the Baroque and Rococo architectural periods. It measures 147 x 82 mm.
Alt: First series 100 euro banknote reverse, green color, Baroque and Rococo architecture design.
Alt: First series 100 euro banknote obverse, green color, illustrating Baroque and Rococo architectural period.
200 Euro Banknote First Series
The yellow €200 banknote of the first series showcases Iron and glass architecture and measures 153 x 82 mm.
Alt: First series 200 euro banknote reverse, yellow color, Iron and glass architecture representation.
Alt: First series 200 euro banknote obverse, yellow color, depicting Iron and glass architectural style.
500 Euro Banknote First Series
The €500 banknote, no longer issued since 2019 but still legal tender, is purple in color and represents Modern 20th-century architecture. It is the largest banknote in the first series, measuring 160 x 82 mm.
Alt: First series 500 euro banknote reverse, purple color, Modern 20th century architecture.
Alt: First series 500 euro banknote obverse, purple color, representing Modern 20th-century architecture.
Legal Tender Status and Future of Euro Banknotes
It’s important to remember that all banknotes from both the first and Europa series remain legal tender in Spain and throughout the Eurozone. This means they can be used for payments and as a store of value. Even the €500 banknote, while no longer issued, retains its legal tender status.
The Eurosystem is continuously evolving, and plans for future banknotes are underway. The European Central Bank (ECB) is exploring new themes for the next series, with “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” being considered based on public surveys conducted in 2023. The final designs and the timeline for production and issuance are expected to be decided in 2026, marking an exciting future for the visual identity of the Euro currency.
For more in-depth information, you can visit the ECB website for updates on future banknotes: ECB: Future banknotes.
Understanding the Euro banknotes in Spain, from their different series to their future evolution, provides a richer appreciation for this essential aspect of daily life and the broader European economic landscape.
