The euro banknotes are more than just currency; they are a visual representation of European unity and identity. While the banknotes showcase intricate designs and advanced security features, a key element that ties them all together is the Euro Money Sign, €. This symbol, instantly recognizable worldwide, is a cornerstone of the euro’s visual identity and is subtly yet powerfully integrated into the banknote designs. Let’s delve into the design elements of euro banknotes, exploring how the euro money sign and other features contribute to their overall aesthetic and functionality.
Architectural Motifs: Bridges and Windows of Europe
The Europa series, the second and current series of euro banknotes, builds upon the “ages and styles” theme introduced in the first series. Both series use architectural elements as their primary design motif, but the Europa series features a refreshed design by independent banknote designer Reinhold Gerstetter from Berlin.
On the front of each euro banknote, you’ll find depictions of windows and doorways. These are not just decorative elements; they symbolize the European spirit of openness and cooperation, reflecting the core values of the European Union. Turning the banknote over, bridges come into view, representing communication and connection – not only between the people of Europe but also between Europe and the wider world.
Just like the first series, the Europa banknotes showcase architectural styles spanning various periods of European history. However, it’s important to note that these are stylized representations and not depictions of actual, existing monuments or bridges. Each denomination is associated with a specific architectural style:
- €5: Classical
- €10: Romanesque
- €20: Gothic
- €50: Renaissance
- €100: Baroque and Rococo
- €200: 19th-century iron and glass architecture
These architectural styles provide a visual journey through European history, subtly reinforcing the continent’s rich cultural heritage.
The Map of Europe: A Continent United
The reverse side of euro banknotes also features a geographical representation of Europe. The Europa series presents an updated map, now including Malta and Cyprus, which were not part of the EU when the first series was designed. Look closely, and you’ll also spot tiny boxes near the bottom of the banknote. These represent the Canary Islands and some French overseas territories where the euro is also legal tender. Due to the limitations of high-volume offset printing, very small islands are not included on the map, ensuring clarity and detail for the major geographical features.
Colors, Currency Name, and Copyright
Each euro banknote denomination is distinguished by a specific color, a feature carried over from the first series. This color-coding aids in quick recognition and differentiation, especially for those handling cash frequently. The colors are:
- €5: Grey
- €10: Red
- €20: Blue
- €50: Orange
- €100: Green
- €200: Yellow-brown
Beyond the architectural motifs and colors, several other design elements are consistently present across the euro banknotes:
- The name of the currency: “euro” is displayed in three alphabets: Latin (EURO), Greek (EYPΩ), and Cyrillic (EBPO). The Cyrillic alphabet was added with the Europa series to reflect Bulgaria’s accession to the EU.
- European Central Bank initials: The initials of the European Central Bank are printed in multiple linguistic variants, reflecting the diverse languages within the EU. The number of variants increased with Croatia’s entry in 2013, reaching ten for the higher denominations (€50, €100, €200). The abbreviations are ordered according to EU protocol for countries and official languages. Examples include BCE (French), ECB (English), EZB (German), and many more.
- Copyright symbol: The symbol © indicates copyright protection of the banknote design.
- EU flag: The flag of the European Union is prominently featured, further emphasizing the banknotes as a symbol of European unity.
The design process for the Europa series also included consultations with visually impaired users, leading to the incorporation of specific features to make the banknotes more accessible, such as tactile markings and large numerals.
Signatures of the ECB Presidents
Each euro banknote is signed by one of the Presidents of the European Central Bank. Banknotes in circulation may bear the signature of Willem F. Duisenberg, Jean-Claude Trichet, Mario Draghi, or Christine Lagarde – the first, second, third, and fourth presidents, respectively. Importantly, all banknotes with any of these signatures are equally valid, reinforcing the continuity and stability of the euro system.
Serial Numbers: Tracking and Identification
The Europa series banknotes incorporate two serial numbers on the back: a horizontal number printed in black and a vertical number in a different color. The horizontal number provides key information about the banknote. It consists of two letters and ten digits. The first letter is a crucial identifier, indicating the printing works responsible for producing the banknote. The second letter is simply for increasing the possible number of unique serial numbers.
Printing Works Codes
| Printing Works | Letter |
|---|---|
| Nationale Bank van België/Banque Nationale de Belgique | Z |
| Bank of Greece | Y |
| Giesecke & Devrient GmbH (Munich) | X |
| Giesecke & Devrient GmbH (Leipzig) | W |
| IMBISA | V |
| Banque de France | U |
| Central Bank of Ireland | T |
| Banca d’Italia | S |
| Bundesdruckerei GmbH | R |
| Joh. Enschede Security Printing BV | P |
| Oesterreichische Banknoten und Sicherheitsdruck GmbH | N |
| Valora | M |
| Not assigned | L |
| Not assigned | K |
| De La Rue Currency (Gateshead) | J |
| De La Rue Currency (Loughton) | H |
| Not assigned | G |
| Oberthur Fiduciaire AD (Sofia) | F |
| Oberthur Fiduciaire SAS (Chantepie) | E |
| Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych | D |
| Not assigned | C |
| Not assigned | B |
| Not assigned | A |
Country Codes: First Series Banknote Origins
While the Europa series uses printing works codes, the first series of euro banknotes employed country codes to indicate the central bank that commissioned the banknote printing. This code, a letter preceding the serial number, doesn’t necessarily denote the country where the banknote was printed but rather the commissioning central bank.
For instance, a banknote with the letter ‘S’ was commissioned by the Banca d’Italia.
First Series Country Codes
| Country | Code |
|---|---|
| Belgium | Z |
| Germany | X |
| Estonia | D |
| Ireland | T |
| Greece | Y |
| Spain | V |
| France | U |
| Italy | S |
| Cyprus | G |
| Latvia | C |
| Lithuania | B |
| Luxembourg | ¹ |
| Malta | F |
| Netherlands | P |
| Austria | N |
| Portugal | M |
| Slovenia | H |
| Slovakia | E |
| Finland | L |
¹ Uncirculated euro banknotes issued by the Banque centrale du Luxembourg bear the code of the central banks of the countries where the banknotes for Luxembourg are produced.
In conclusion, the design of euro banknotes is a carefully considered blend of aesthetics, symbolism, and security. From the architectural motifs to the euro money sign, every element contributes to the banknotes’ identity as a representation of European unity and a reliable currency for millions. Understanding these design elements provides a deeper appreciation for the euro banknotes beyond their monetary value.
