Euro Bill Notes, more formally known as euro banknotes, are the physical form of the euro currency, the official currency of the Eurozone and several other European countries. Currently, there are two distinct series of euro banknotes in circulation, each with its own unique characteristics and security features. This guide will provide a detailed overview of both series, helping you to understand the denominations, designs, and significance of euro bill notes.
The Two Series of Euro Banknotes
The euro banknotes have evolved since their introduction in 2002. The first series, launched initially, has been gradually replaced by the more modern “Europa” series. However, it’s important to note that both series are currently legal tender throughout the Eurozone. This means that banknotes from either series can be used for transactions and are accepted as a valid form of payment.
The first series of euro banknotes includes seven denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. The Europa series, the second and current series, comprises six denominations. Notably, the €500 banknote is not included in the Europa series and its issuance was discontinued in 2019, although first series €500 notes remain legal tender.
Let’s delve into the specifics of each series and their denominations.
Euro Banknotes: The “Europa” Series
The “Europa” series 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 maintain the integrity of euro bill notes.
€5 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
- Color: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural Period: Classical
- Alt Text: Front and back view of a grey five euro bill note from the Europa series, featuring classical architectural elements.
The €5 euro bill note, with its grey color scheme, represents the Classical architectural period. The designs on the Europa series, like the first series, are based on the theme “Ages and Styles of Europe,” showcasing different architectural periods from European history, rather than specific real structures.
€10 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
- Color: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural Period: Romanesque
- Alt Text: Red ten euro banknote from the Europa series, front and back, depicting Romanesque architecture.
The red €10 euro bill note showcases the Romanesque architectural style. Each denomination in the Europa series has a distinct color and size, making it easier for users, especially those with visual impairments, to differentiate between them.
€20 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
- Color: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural Period: Gothic
- Alt Text: Blue twenty euro banknote of the Europa series, displaying Gothic architectural designs on its front and back.
The blue €20 euro bill note represents the Gothic period. The Europa series banknotes are designed to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear, extending their lifespan in circulation.
€50 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
- Color: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Renaissance
- Alt Text: Orange fifty euro banknote from the Europa series, showing Renaissance architecture on both sides.
The orange €50 euro bill note features the Renaissance architectural style. This denomination is one of the most widely used euro banknotes across the Eurozone.
€100 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
- Color: Green
- Size: 147 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
- Alt Text: Green one hundred euro banknote from the Europa series, with Baroque and Rococo architectural motifs.
The green €100 euro bill note showcases Baroque and Rococo architecture. Like all Europa series notes, it includes advanced security features such as an emerald number that changes color and produces a light effect.
€200 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
- Color: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
- Alt Text: Yellow two hundred euro banknote of the Europa series, depicting Iron and Glass architecture on the front and back.
The yellow €200 euro bill note represents the Iron and Glass architecture period. This and the €100 note are the two highest denominations currently issued in the Europa series.
Euro Banknotes: The First Series
The first series of euro banknotes was the original set introduced when the euro currency was launched. While being gradually replaced by the Europa series, these banknotes remain valid and in circulation.
€5 Euro Banknote First Series
- Color: Grey
- Size: 120 x 62 mm
- Architectural Period: Classical
- Alt Text: Front and back images of a grey five euro bill note from the first series, featuring classical architectural designs.
The first series €5 euro bill note shares the same color and architectural period as its Europa series counterpart.
€10 Euro Banknote First Series
- Color: Red
- Size: 127 x 67 mm
- Architectural Period: Romanesque
- Alt Text: Red ten euro bill note from the first series, front and back view, showcasing Romanesque architecture.
The red €10 euro bill note in the first series also maintains the color and architectural theme of the Europa series.
€20 Euro Banknote First Series
- Color: Blue
- Size: 133 x 72 mm
- Architectural Period: Gothic
- Alt Text: Blue twenty euro banknote of the first series, displaying Gothic architectural elements on both sides.
The blue €20 euro bill note of the first series continues the color and architectural period association.
€50 Euro Banknote First Series
- Color: Orange
- Size: 140 x 77 mm
- Architectural Period: Renaissance
- Alt Text: Orange fifty euro banknote from the first series, depicting Renaissance architecture on its front and back.
The orange €50 euro bill note from the first series carries forward the established color and architectural theme.
€100 Euro Banknote First Series
- Color: Green
- Size: 147 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
- Alt Text: Green one hundred euro banknote of the first series, featuring Baroque and Rococo architectural designs.
The green €100 euro bill note in the first series also aligns with the color and architectural period of the Europa series. Note the slight size difference compared to the Europa series €100.
€200 Euro Banknote First Series
- Color: Yellow
- Size: 153 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
- Alt Text: Yellow two hundred euro banknote from the first series, displaying Iron and Glass architecture on both the front and back.
The yellow €200 euro bill note in the first series maintains the color and architectural period. Similar to the €100, there’s a slight size difference compared to the Europa series €200.
€500 Euro Banknote First Series
- Color: Purple
- Size: 160 x 82 mm
- Architectural Period: Modern 20th Century Architecture
- Alt Text: Purple five hundred euro banknote from the first series, featuring Modern 20th century architecture on both sides.
The purple €500 euro bill note, unique to the first series, represents Modern 20th-century architecture. Although no longer issued, it remains legal tender.
Legal Tender and the Future of Euro Banknotes
Despite the introduction of the Europa series and the discontinuation of the €500 denomination in the new series, all banknotes from the first series remain legal tender. This means they can still be used for payments and hold their value. The transition to the Europa series is a gradual process as first series notes are taken out of circulation when they become worn or damaged.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively developing a new series of euro banknotes, aiming to incorporate even more advanced security features and reflect European identity. Public surveys have played a crucial role in selecting potential themes for these future banknotes, with “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” being shortlisted. The final designs and the timeline for the production and issuance of these new euro bill notes are expected to be decided by the European Central Bank (ECB) in 2026.
For more in-depth information, you can visit the ECB website dedicated to future euro banknotes: ECB: Future banknotes
Understanding the different series and denominations of euro bill notes is essential for anyone living in or traveling to the Eurozone. Being familiar with their designs and security features helps in recognizing genuine currency and appreciating the ongoing evolution of euro banknotes.
