Euro Currency Notes are the physical form of the Euro, the official currency of the Eurozone and widely used across Europe. Understanding euro currency notes involves recognizing their different series, denominations, and key features. This guide provides a detailed overview of the euro banknotes currently in circulation, including both the first and Europa series.
The Two Series of Euro Banknotes
Currently, two distinct series of euro banknotes are in circulation: the first series and the Europa series. Both series are legal tender and can be used for transactions throughout the Eurozone. The first series, introduced when the euro was launched, is gradually being replaced by the newer Europa series, which incorporates enhanced security features and a refreshed design.
Europa Series Euro Banknotes
The Europa series is the second and current series of euro currency notes. It is named after Europa, a figure from Greek mythology, whose portrait is featured in the watermark and hologram of the banknotes. This series includes six denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, and €200. Notably, the €500 banknote is 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 euro currency note 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 euro currency note in the Europa series is red, with dimensions of 127 x 67 mm. The banknote design reflects the Romanesque architectural period.
€20 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The €20 euro currency note from the Europa series is blue and measures 133 x 72 mm. The Gothic architectural period is represented in its design.
€50 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The €50 euro currency note in the Europa series is orange, with a size of 140 x 77 mm. Its design is inspired by the Renaissance architectural period.
€100 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The €100 euro currency note of the Europa series is green and measures 147 x 77 mm. The design showcases the Baroque and Rococo architectural periods.
€200 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
The €200 euro currency note in the Europa series is yellow and has dimensions of 153 x 77 mm. The Iron and glass architecture period is the theme of its design.
First Series Euro Banknotes
The first series of euro currency notes was the original set of banknotes introduced when the euro was launched in 2002. This series included seven denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. While being gradually replaced by the Europa series, first series banknotes remain legal tender.
€5 Euro Banknote First Series
The first series €5 euro currency note is also grey and measures 120 x 62 mm, sharing the same color and size as its Europa series counterpart. It also represents the Classical architectural period.
€10 Euro Banknote First Series
The first series €10 euro currency note is red and measures 127 x 67 mm, identical in color and size to the Europa series €10 note. It also features the Romanesque architectural period.
€20 Euro Banknote First Series
The first series €20 euro currency note is blue and measures 133 x 72 mm, matching the Europa series €20 note in color and dimensions. It represents the Gothic architectural period.
€50 Euro Banknote First Series
The first series €50 euro currency note is orange and measures 140 x 77 mm, consistent in color and size with the Europa series €50 note. The Renaissance architectural period is depicted in its design.
€100 Euro Banknote First Series
The first series €100 euro currency note is green and measures 147 x 82 mm, slightly longer than the Europa series €100 note. It represents the Baroque and Rococo architectural periods.
€200 Euro Banknote First Series
The first series €200 euro currency note is yellow and measures 153 x 82 mm, also slightly longer than the Europa series €200 note. The Iron and glass architecture period is featured in its design.
€500 Euro Banknote First Series
The first series €500 euro currency note is purple and is the largest denomination in the first series, measuring 160 x 82 mm. It represents Modern 20th-century architecture. Although no longer issued since 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 remain legal tender throughout the Eurozone. This means they can be used as a valid means of payment and store of value. Even the €500 banknote from the first series, despite no longer being issued, retains its legal tender status.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively involved in designing a new series of euro banknotes. The European Central Bank (ECB) is considering themes such as “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” for these future banknotes, taking into account public preferences gathered through surveys in 2023. A final decision on the design and issuance timeline for these new banknotes is expected in 2026, marking an exciting evolution in the story of euro currency notes.
For more detailed information, you can visit the ECB’s official website on future banknotes: ECB: Future banknotes
