Euro Money Notes are the physical currency of the Eurozone, a symbol of European unity and economic integration. Currently, two distinct series of euro banknotes are in circulation, each with its own unique design and security features. This guide will walk you through the details of both series, helping you understand the nuances of euro money notes.
The “Europa” Series: The Latest Euro Banknotes
The “Europa” series represents the second and current generation of euro banknotes. Introduced gradually over several years, this series is named after Europa, a figure from Greek mythology and a symbol of Europe. The Europa series banknotes incorporate enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting and are designed to be more durable. This series includes six denominations, omitting the €500 note from the first series.
€5 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
Color: Grey
Size: 120 x 62 mm
Architectural Period: Classical
The €5 euro money note, with its grey hue, showcases architectural designs from the Classical period. These designs symbolize an era of foundational European history and culture, reflected in the banknote’s imagery.
€10 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
Color: Red
Size: 127 x 67 mm
Architectural Period: Romanesque
The red €10 euro money note features Romanesque architecture. This style, prevalent in Europe during the 11th and 12th centuries, is known for its rounded arches and massive quality, characteristics subtly captured in the banknote’s design.
€20 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
Color: Blue
Size: 133 x 72 mm
Architectural Period: Gothic
The blue €20 euro money note highlights Gothic architectural achievements. Gothic architecture, which flourished from the 12th to 16th centuries, is characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, elements that inspire the banknote’s visual theme.
€50 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
Color: Orange
Size: 140 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Renaissance
The orange €50 euro money note showcases the Renaissance period. The Renaissance, a transformative era in European history spanning the 14th to 17th centuries, emphasized a revival of classical art and learning, influencing the artistic motifs of this banknote.
€100 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
Color: Green
Size: 147 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
The green €100 euro money note represents Baroque and Rococo architecture. These 17th and 18th-century styles are known for their grandeur, drama, and elaborate ornamentation, reflected in the intricate designs of the banknote.
€200 Euro Banknote “Europa” Series
Color: Yellow
Size: 153 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
The yellow €200 euro money note features Iron and Glass architecture. This 19th-century style, marking the early stages of the industrial age, is characterized by its innovative use of materials and large, open spaces, themes that are subtly incorporated into the banknote’s visual elements.
The First Series Euro Banknotes: Still Legal Tender
The first series of euro banknotes was the original set issued when the euro was first introduced in 2002. While gradually being replaced by the Europa series, these banknotes remain legal tender throughout the Eurozone. The first series includes the same denominations as the Europa series, plus the €500 banknote, which is no longer issued but is still valid.
€5 Euro Banknote First Series
Color: Grey
Size: 120 x 62 mm
Architectural Period: Classical
Similar to the Europa series, the first series €5 euro money note is grey and depicts Classical architecture, sharing the same architectural theme.
€10 Euro Banknote First Series
Color: Red
Size: 127 x 67 mm
Architectural Period: Romanesque
The red €10 euro money note of the first series also features Romanesque architecture, mirroring the theme of its Europa series counterpart.
€20 Euro Banknote First Series
Color: Blue
Size: 133 x 72 mm
Architectural Period: Gothic
The blue €20 euro money note in the first series continues the Gothic architectural theme, consistent with the Europa series.
€50 Euro Banknote First Series
Color: Orange
Size: 140 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Renaissance
The orange €50 euro money note of the original series also represents the Renaissance period, aligning with the thematic choice of the Europa series.
€100 Euro Banknote First Series
Color: Green
Size: 147 x 82 mm
Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
The green €100 euro money note in the first series maintains the Baroque and Rococo architectural style, similar to the newer Europa series.
€200 Euro Banknote First Series
Color: Yellow
Size: 153 x 82 mm
Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
The yellow €200 euro money note of the initial series also uses Iron and Glass architecture as its design inspiration, mirroring the Europa series.
€500 Euro Banknote First Series
Color: Purple
Size: 160 x 82 mm
Architectural Period: Modern 20th Century Architecture
Unique to the first series, the purple €500 euro money note showcases Modern 20th-century architecture. Although production of this denomination ceased in 2019, it remains legal tender.
Legal Tender and the Evolution of Euro Banknotes
Despite the introduction of the Europa series, all banknotes from the first series, including the €500 note, remain legal tender. This means they can still be used for payments and are accepted as a store of value. The gradual replacement is a standard procedure for currency evolution, primarily aimed at enhancing security features and maintaining public confidence in euro money notes.
The Eurosystem is actively planning the future of euro banknotes. With public input playing a crucial role, “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” have been shortlisted as potential themes for the next series. The final decision on the designs and the timeline for production and issuance is expected in 2026, marking an exciting new chapter in the story of euro money notes.
For more detailed information on the future of euro banknotes, you can visit the European Central Bank (ECB) website: ECB: Future banknotes.
Understanding the different series and denominations of euro money notes not only enhances your familiarity with this important currency but also provides insight into the rich cultural and historical narratives embedded in their designs.
