Euro Money Bills are the physical currency of the Eurozone, used daily by millions across Europe and recognized globally. Currently, two distinct series of euro banknotes are in circulation, each with its own unique designs and security features. This guide provides a detailed overview of both series, helping you understand the different denominations and their characteristics.
The Two Series of Euro Banknotes
Since the introduction of the euro, there have been two series of banknotes issued by the European Central Bank (ECB). The first series was the original set released in 2002, while the second, known as the Europa series, was gradually introduced starting in 2013. Both series are legal tender across the Eurozone, meaning they can be used for all transactions and hold their value.
The first series initially included seven denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. The Europa series, however, consists of only six denominations, as the €500 banknote is no longer issued, although existing €500 notes of the first series remain valid.
Europa Series: Modern Euro Banknotes
The Europa series is named after Europa, a figure from Greek mythology, whose portrait is featured in the watermark and hologram of these banknotes. These notes incorporate enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting and are designed to be more durable. Let’s explore each denomination in detail:
€5 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
Colour: Grey
Actual size: 120 x 62 mm
Architectural period: Classical
The €5 euro money bill, easily recognizable by its grey color, showcases classical architectural styles. It is the smallest denomination in terms of size in the Europa series.
€10 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
Colour: Red
Actual size: 127 x 67 mm
Architectural period: Romanesque
The red €10 euro money bill represents the Romanesque architectural period. It’s slightly larger than the €5 note and builds upon the security features of the previous denomination.
€20 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
Colour: Blue
Actual size: 133 x 72 mm
Architectural period: Gothic
The blue €20 euro money bill embodies Gothic architecture. This denomination and higher values in the Europa series include even more sophisticated security elements.
€50 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
Colour: Orange
Actual size: 140 x 77 mm
Architectural period: Renaissance
The orange €50 euro money bill illustrates the Renaissance period. It’s a widely used denomination and, like other Europa series banknotes, incorporates advanced anti-counterfeiting technology.
€100 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
Colour: Green
Actual size: 147 x 77 mm
Architectural period: Baroque and Rococo
The green €100 euro money bill showcases Baroque and Rococo architecture. It is larger than the lower denominations and designed for higher value transactions.
€200 Euro Banknote – Europa Series
Colour: Yellow
Actual size: 153 x 77 mm
Architectural period: Iron and glass architecture
The yellow €200 euro money bill represents the Iron and glass architecture period. It is the largest denomination currently issued in the Europa series and is less commonly used in everyday transactions compared to lower values.
First Series: Original Euro Banknotes
The first series of euro money bills, while being gradually replaced by the Europa series, are still valid and widely accepted. These banknotes also depict architectural styles and have their own distinct characteristics.
€5 Euro Banknote – First Series
Colour: Grey
Actual size: 120 x 62 mm
Architectural period: Classical
Similar in color and size to the Europa series €5, the first series €5 euro money bill also features classical architecture, marking the beginning of the euro currency.
€10 Euro Banknote – First Series
Colour: Red
Actual size: 127 x 67 mm
Architectural period: Romanesque
The first series €10 euro money bill, also red and Romanesque-themed, is visually similar to its Europa series counterpart but lacks the Europa portrait security features.
€20 Euro Banknote – First Series
Colour: Blue
Actual size: 133 x 72 mm
Architectural period: Gothic
The blue, Gothic-style €20 euro money bill from the first series remains in circulation, though gradually being replaced by the newer Europa series version.
€50 Euro Banknote – First Series
Colour: Orange
Actual size: 140 x 77 mm
Architectural period: Renaissance
The orange, Renaissance-themed €50 euro money bill of the first series is another common banknote still in use, although the Europa series version is becoming more prevalent.
€100 Euro Banknote – First Series
Colour: Green
Actual size: 147 x 82 mm
Architectural period: Baroque and rococo
The green, Baroque and Rococo-style €100 euro money bill from the original series is still legal tender and used for larger transactions.
€200 Euro Banknote – First Series
Colour: Yellow
Actual size: 153 x 82 mm
Architectural period: Iron and glass architecture
The yellow, Iron and glass architecture-themed €200 euro money bill of the first series is less frequently seen but remains valid for transactions.
€500 Euro Banknote – First Series
Colour: Purple
Actual size: 160 x 82 mm
Architectural period: Modern 20th century architecture
The purple €500 euro money bill from the first series, depicting modern 20th-century architecture, is the highest denomination of the original series. Although production ceased in 2019, these notes are still legal tender.
Legal Tender and the Future of Euro Banknotes
It’s important to remember that all first series euro banknotes, including the €500 note, remain legal tender. This means they can still be used for payments and hold value. The transition to the Europa series is ongoing, with the older notes being gradually withdrawn from circulation as they are deposited at banks.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively working on the design for a new series of euro banknotes. Public opinion is playing a crucial role in this process, with “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” being considered as potential themes. The final designs and the timeline for the new banknotes are expected to be decided in 2026, marking the next chapter in the evolution of euro money bills.
