Euro banknotes

Starting on 2 May 2013 the new 5 euro banknote is issued as the first denomation of the second euro banknote series, the "Europa series". The 5 euro banknote of the Europa series is issued in parallel with the 5 euro banknote of the first series.

The second euro banknotes series, called the "Europa" series, is named after a figure from Greek mythology. Its portrait is featured in the watermark and in the hologram stripe. The portrait of Europa ist the most prominent feature of the new banknote series. The euro banknotes of the second series will be issued one by one over a time span of several years. The first banknote to be issued is the new 5 euro banknote. It will be put into circulation as of May 2013.

Enhanced security features

Portrait watermark

In the watermark you see the portrait of the mythological figure Europa. This is why the feature is called "portrait watermark", also to distinguish it from the watermark of the first series. The watermark also features the value numeral (5) and a gateway. The portrait is the most prominent feature and you can also see it in the hologram.

Emerald number

The emerald number is a shiny number on the front of the banknote which displays an effect of the light that moves up and down. The number also changes colour from emerald green to deep blue.

Portrait hologram

The hologram, a silvery stripe on the front of the banknote, shows a portrait of Europa, a gateway, the €-symbol and the value numeral (5) of the banknote.

Gradual introduction

The second series will have the same denominations as the first: 5 euro, 10 euro, 20 euro, 50 euro, 100 euro, 200 euro and 500 euro. The new banknotes will be introduced gradually over several years, starting with the new 5 euro banknote in May 2013. From this date on, financial institutions will put into circulation the new 5 euro banknote via the normal channels (i.e. over the counter and in cash dispensers). It is anticipated that the denominations in the second series will be introduced in ascending order. Thus, the 10 euro banknote will follow the 5 euro.

After the introduction of the second series of euro banknotes, the first and second series of banknotes will circulate in parallel. The date on which banknotes of the first series cease to be legal tender will be announced well in advance. Furthermore, the banknotes of the first series will always retain their value: they can be exchanged by the national central banks of the Eurosystem for an unlimited period of time.

If you wish to use pictures of euro banknotes for advertising purposes, please observe the reproduction regulations.