Euro banknotes are the tangible representation of the Eurozone’s unified currency, facilitating transactions across numerous European countries. Currently, two distinct series of euro banknotes are in circulation, each with its own design and security features. The first series, introduced in 2002, includes seven denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. The second and more contemporary series, known as the Europa series, omits the €500 banknote and comprises six denominations.
“Europa” Series Euro Banknotes
The Europa series is the latest iteration of euro banknotes, incorporating enhanced security features and a refreshed design while maintaining the familiar themes of “Ages and Styles” and “windows and gateways.” Each denomination in the Europa series showcases a different architectural style from European history, along with its corresponding color and size.
5 Euro Europa Banknote
Color: Grey
Size: 120 x 62 mm
Architectural Period: Classical
The grey 5 euro banknote represents the Classical architectural period. Its design features a gateway and a window, symbolizing the spirit of openness and cooperation within Europe.
10 Euro Europa Banknote
Color: Red
Size: 127 x 67 mm
Architectural Period: Romanesque
The red 10 euro banknote embodies the Romanesque architectural style. Like all Europa series banknotes, it includes the portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology, lending its name to this series.
20 Euro Europa Banknote
Color: Blue
Size: 133 x 72 mm
Architectural Period: Gothic
The blue 20 euro banknote showcases the Gothic period of architecture. This denomination is one of the most frequently used in daily transactions across the Eurozone.
50 Euro Europa Banknote
Color: Orange
Size: 140 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Renaissance
The orange 50 euro banknote represents the Renaissance era. Its larger size and vibrant color make it easily distinguishable.
100 Euro Europa Banknote
Color: Green
Size: 147 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
The green 100 euro banknote displays Baroque and Rococo architecture. This denomination, along with the €200, is used less frequently in everyday retail transactions but serves as a store of value.
200 Euro Europa Banknote
Color: Yellow
Size: 153 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
The yellow 200 euro banknote represents the Iron and Glass architecture period. It is the largest denomination currently in the Europa series.
First Series Euro Banknotes
The first series of euro banknotes was the original set introduced when the euro currency was launched. While gradually being replaced by the Europa series, these banknotes remain legal tender and are still encountered in circulation. They also depict architectural styles, but with slightly different designs and security features compared to the Europa series.
5 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Grey
Size: 120 x 62 mm
Architectural Period: Classical
The first series 5 euro banknote, like its Europa series counterpart, is grey and represents the Classical architectural style.
10 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Red
Size: 127 x 67 mm
Architectural Period: Romanesque
The red 10 euro banknote from the first series also features Romanesque architecture, mirroring the theme of the Europa series.
20 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Blue
Size: 133 x 72 mm
Architectural Period: Gothic
The blue 20 euro banknote in the first series continues the Gothic architectural theme.
50 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Orange
Size: 140 x 77 mm
Architectural Period: Renaissance
The orange 50 euro banknote of the first series also showcases Renaissance architecture.
100 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Green
Size: 147 x 82 mm
Architectural Period: Baroque and Rococo
The green 100 euro banknote from the original series represents Baroque and Rococo architectural styles. Notice the slightly different size compared to the Europa series version.
200 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Yellow
Size: 153 x 82 mm
Architectural Period: Iron and Glass Architecture
The yellow 200 euro banknote in the first series shares the Iron and Glass architecture theme with the Europa series. Again, there’s a slight size difference compared to the newer series.
500 Euro First Series Banknote
Color: Purple
Size: 160 x 82 mm
Architectural Period: Modern 20th Century Architecture
The purple 500 euro banknote, present only in the first series, represents Modern 20th-century architecture. It’s important to note that while still legal tender, the €500 banknote is no longer issued since 2019.
Legal Tender and the Future of Euro Banknotes
Despite the introduction of the Europa series and the discontinuation of the 500 euro banknote issuance, all banknotes from both series remain legal tender throughout the Eurozone. This means they can still be used for payments and as a store of value. The gradual replacement of the first series with the Europa series is an ongoing process.
Looking ahead, the Eurosystem is actively involved in designing a new series of euro banknotes. Public opinion is playing a significant role in this process. The European Central Bank (ECB) has shortlisted “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” as potential themes for these future banknotes, based on public surveys conducted in 2023. A final decision on the designs and the timeline for production and issuance of these new euro banknotes is expected from the ECB in 2026.
To contribute to the quality and condition of euro banknotes in circulation, the Eurosystem encourages users to provide feedback through an online survey regarding the banknotes they handle daily.
For more detailed information about the future of euro banknotes, you can visit the ECB website.
