The euro, represented by the symbol €, is more than just the currency of 19 European Union countries; it’s a symbol of European unity and integration. But what exactly is the sign for the euro currency, and what does it represent? While the symbol itself is a powerful visual identifier, the euro currency’s identity is further reinforced through the intricate designs of its banknotes. These banknotes are not just pieces of paper; they are carefully crafted canvases that tell a story about Europe, its history, and its shared values.
The design of the euro banknotes is based on the theme of “ages and styles,” a concept carried over from the first series. However, the Europa series, the second and current series of euro banknotes, has been updated to incorporate enhanced security features and a refreshed visual appeal, making it easy to distinguish from the original series. Reinhold Gerstetter, an independent banknote designer from Berlin, was tasked with this redesign, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional security.
Architectural Motifs: Symbolizing Openness and Connection
On the front of both the original and Europa series of euro banknotes, you’ll notice windows and doorways. These architectural elements are not arbitrary; they symbolize the European spirit of openness and cooperation. This visual metaphor speaks to the EU’s commitment to transparency and collaboration among its member states.
Turning to the back of the banknotes, bridges take center stage. These bridges are potent symbols of communication – not only among the people of Europe but also between Europe and the wider world. They represent connection, dialogue, and the bridging of cultures and ideas.
It’s important to note that while the euro banknotes showcase architectural styles from various periods of European history, they deliberately avoid depicting actual, existing monuments or bridges. This design choice makes the banknotes representative of Europe as a whole, rather than any specific landmark or nation. The architectural styles featured are:
- €5: Classical
- €10: Romanesque
- €20: Gothic
- €50: Renaissance
- €100: Baroque and rococo
- €200: 19th-century iron and glass architecture
These styles, spanning centuries, visually narrate the rich and diverse history of European art and architecture, further embedding the idea of a shared European heritage within the currency itself.
Mapping Europe: A Continent United
A geographical representation of Europe is consistently featured on the back of euro banknotes across both series. The Europa series presents an updated map, which now includes Malta and Cyprus, reflecting the expansion of the European Union. Look closely, and you’ll also find tiny boxes near the bottom of the banknote indicating the Canary Islands and some French overseas territories where the euro is also in use. Due to the limitations of high-volume offset printing, very small islands are not included on the map. This map serves as a constant reminder of the geographical scope of the euro and the territories it encompasses.
Color Coding and Linguistic Elements
Each euro banknote denomination is assigned a distinct color, a feature maintained from the first series to the Europa series. This color-coding aids in quick identification and accessibility, especially for those with visual impairments. The colors are: grey for €5, red for €10, blue for €20, orange for €50, green for €100, and yellow-brown for €200.
Beyond architectural and geographical symbols, the banknotes incorporate linguistic elements that further emphasize European unity in diversity. The name of the currency, “euro,” is printed in three alphabets: Latin (EURO), Greek (EYPΩ), and Cyrillic (EBPO). The inclusion of Cyrillic in the Europa series acknowledges Bulgaria’s entry into the EU, showcasing the currency’s inclusivity.
Similarly, the initials of the European Central Bank are present in multiple linguistic variants. Initially, the first series included variants in nine languages. With Croatia joining the EU in 2013, the Europa series expanded this to ten variants for the higher denominations (€50, €100, €200). These abbreviations are ordered according to the EU protocol for countries and official languages:
- BCE (French, Irish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish)
- ECB (Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Latvian, Lithuanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Swedish)
- ЕЦБ (Bulgarian)
- EZB (German)
- EKP (Estonian, Finnish)
- EKT (Greek)
- ESB (Croatian)
- EKB (Hungarian)
- BĊE (Maltese)
- EBC (Polish)
Other design elements include the copyright symbol © and the EU flag, further reinforcing the euro’s official status and legal protection. Crucially, visually impaired users were consulted during the design phase to ensure the banknotes included tactile features and clear visual distinctions for accessibility.
Signatures: A Mark of Authority
Each euro banknote bears the signature of one of the Presidents of the European Central Bank. Banknotes in circulation may feature 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, regardless of the signature they bear, are equally valid, highlighting the continuity and stability of the institution behind the currency.
Serial Numbers and Origins
The Europa series banknotes include two serial numbers on the back: a horizontal number in black and a vertical number in a different color. The horizontal number contains two letters and ten digits. The first letter is particularly significant as it identifies the printing works responsible for producing the banknote.
| 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 |
Similarly, the first series banknotes used a country code, a letter preceding the serial number, to indicate the central bank that commissioned the printing.
For example, a banknote with the letter ‘S’ was printed for Banca d’Italia. The country codes for the first series are:
| 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. |
Conclusion: The Euro Sign and Banknote Design as Symbols of Europe
So, What Is The Sign For Euro Currency? It’s €. But beyond this simple symbol, the euro’s identity is richly layered within the design of its banknotes. From the architectural motifs symbolizing openness and connection, to the map representing geographical unity, and the linguistic diversity reflecting cultural richness, every element is carefully considered. The euro banknotes are more than just a means of transaction; they are tangible representations of European identity, cooperation, and shared history, all underpinned by the simple yet powerful symbol: €.
