What Do Euro Banknotes and Coins Look Like?

Most Ukrainians have likely held euros, the currency of the Eurozone, in their hands. Everyone notices their bright colors and appealing designs. The euro banknotes feature European architectural landmarks, fantastic bridges, and a map of Europe and euro cents are a true find for collectors. They have the same design on the reverse, but their obverses differ across countries. Let’s delve into what is depicted on each banknote, how the coins differ, and how to recognize counterfeits.

How Euro Banknotes and Coins Were Created

Euro banknotes were introduced into circulation in 2002 in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500. From 2013 to 2017, the European Central Bank (ECB) released a new series of banknotes. Starting in 2018, the issuance of €500 notes was gradually phased out, although they remain legal tender as long as they are in circulation. The design of the banknotes was developed by Austrian artist Robert Kalina.

All euro banknotes share common features – the EU flag, a map with overseas territories, the ECB abbreviation, the word “euro” in Latin and Greek, and the signature of the ECB president. Each euro banknote also features a depiction of a specific example of European architecture. These illustrations represent different styles and eras. The bridges adorning the banknotes are actually fictional. They didn’t exist until 2011, when small replicas were built in the Netherlands.

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What Each Euro Banknote Looks Like

The design of all modern euro banknotes follows a standard format, but they differ significantly in their details:

• €5 – Grey, featuring a building in the classical style.
• €10 – Red, with an arch in the Romanesque style.
• €20 – Blue, showing pointed Gothic windows.
• €50 – Orange, illustrating a building in the Renaissance style.
• €100 – Green, with a depiction of Baroque and Rococo architectural elements.
• €200 – Yellow, adorned with modern vaults.
• €500 – Purple, with an example of contemporary architecture.

How Do Euro Coins Look?

While euro banknotes are uniform in appearance across all Eurozone countries, euro coins offer an incredible variety. The reverse side is the same for all countries:

• 1, 2, 5 cents – Display a schematic globe showing Europe.
• 10, 20, 50 cents – Feature the union of countries that joined the EU.

The reverse sides also include 12 stars of the EU and the year of minting. The obverses are a true art gallery, with each country minting their national symbols, portraits of famous individuals, or reminders of significant events.

Euro coins with denominations of 1 and 2 euros have a similar reverse with the denomination number and a map of Europe. Their obverses differ across countries. These coins are distinctive due to the combination of white and yellow metals in a single coin.

How Euro Banknotes are Protected from Counterfeiting

Studying how euro banknotes look reveals specific elements of their security design:

• Raised Print: Makes the numbers, images, and words tactile.
• Watermark: Visible when held up to light.
• Security Thread: Woven into the paper with the word “euro” and the denomination, visible on €5, €10, and €20 notes.
• Microprinting: Tiny text that requires magnification to read.
• See-Through Register: Random elements that align to form the denomination number when held up to light.
• Optically Variable Ink: Changes color at different angles on the reverse of €50, €100, €200, and €500 notes.
• Holograms: On €50, €100, €200, and €500 notes, the images change depending on the viewing angle.

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Under closer inspection with special tools, one can see:

• UV Elements: Red, blue, and green fibers within the paper, the EU flag, the ECB president’s signature, stars, and rings on the front, as well as the map, bridges, and denomination on the back glow under ultraviolet light.
• Infrared Properties: Certain images partially disappear under infrared light.

A Few Secrets Hidden by Euro Banknotes

To learn more about the features of euro banknotes and the secrets of different denominations, watch this video:

Conclusions

Euro banknotes attract foreigners with their bright design, while the coins offer diversity and uniqueness. However, they are all very practical and well-protected against counterfeiting. Although the design evolves over time, the general style remains consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Euro Banknotes and Coins