Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Euro-Banknotes FAQ

This is where you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the euro banknotes. Please read the following information before contacting the Bundesbank. We will not answer or retain enquiries regarding questions/answers given here.

• What are the statutory obligations regarding the acceptance of euro banknotes?
• How are €50 banknotes with security threads from €100 notes dealt with?
• Could euro banknotes transport the avian flu virus?
• For how long will each euro-area country issue euro banknotes and coins in exchange for national banknotes and coins that have ceased to be legal tender?
• Where are the euro banknotes printed?
• Who designed the euro banknotes?
• Who selected the designs for the euro banknotes and why?
• Why is the word EURO written in both Greek and Latin letters?
• What bridges appear on the back of the euro banknotes?
• Were specific steps taken to make it easier for the blind and partially sighted to recognise the various euro banknotes?
• Can I obtain euro banknotes with specific serial numbers?
• Can I obtain complete printed sheets of euro banknotes?
• Do the serial numbers on euro banknotes include a country code and, if so, which letter designates which national central bank?
• Which islands are depicted in the lower part of the back of the euro banknotes?
• Why do the euro banknotes "light up" under ultraviolet light (UV light)?
• What happens if I find I have counterfeit banknotes?

What are the statutory obligations regarding the acceptance of euro banknotes?

Article 106 (1) sentence 3 of the EC Treaty, Article 16 (1) sentence 3 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, Article 10 sentence 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 974/98 (OJ EC L 139/1) on the introduction of the euro in the version as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 2596/2000 (OJ EC L 300/2) as well as section 14 (1) sentence 2 of the Bundesbank Act (Bundesbankgesetz) contain provisions on the acceptance of euro banknotes. These provisions stipulate that euro-denominated banknotes are the sole unrestricted legal tender.

Therefore, by virtue of public law, everyone is required to accept payments in euro banknotes in proper discharge of an obligation to avoid legal detriment. However, infringements of this acceptance requirement are not penalised as elements constituting a criminal or regulatory offence.

Under civil law, freedom of contract in principle allows contractual content to be freely determined by the contracting parties. The parties to a contract can therefore also agree on or rule out a certain exclusive method of payment for services rendered. Public law likewise recognises similar restrictions regarding payments in cash: for instance, as a rule, it is no longer possible to settle tax liabilities by making a cash payment to the local collection office.

How are €50 banknotes with security threads from €100 notes dealt with?

Recently, a few banknotes have surfaced with a face value of €50, but with a security thread bearing the “€100” inscription.  As a result, counting machines that determine a banknote's face value by reading its security thread have been incorrectly reporting the banknote’s value. These banknotes are genuine however, and any branch of the Deutsche Bundesbank will exchange them for proper €50 notes if they are in perfect condition.

Could euro banknotes transport the avian flu virus?

There is no evidence that any viruses have ever been spread via banknotes. As the policy of the Eurosystem has always been to take precautionary measures on the potential impact on public health of the production and circulation of the euro banknotes, it continuously conducts extensive health and safety analyses. In the case of the avian flu, those detailed analyses will investigate the possibility of contamination of euro banknotes and whether banknotes could contribute to its spreading.

Where was the initial supply of euro banknotes printed?

The euro banknotes were printed in various countries. The precise locations are shown on the following map.

Who designed the euro banknotes?

The euro banknotes were designed by the Austrian artist Robert Kalina. His designs are based on the theme "Ages and styles of Europe". They represent the architectural styles of seven periods in European cultural history: the Classical period is depicted on the €5 banknote, the Romanesque period on the €10 note, the Gothic period on the €20 note, the Renaissance on the €50 note and Baroque and Rococo on the €100 note while the age of iron and glass architecture appears on the €200 note and modern 20th century architecture on the €500 note.

Windows and gateways are the main features on the front of the notes and bridges on the back. Rather than representing particular buildings, the illustrations give typical architectural examples of each period.

Who selected the designs for the euro banknotes and why?

The Council of the European Monetary Institute (EMI, the forerunner of the ECB) chose the designs in 1996.

The EMI held a design competition in February 1996. A total of 44 sets of designs we re submitted. The designs were passed on to a notary, who numbered each set so that they remained anonymous.

In September 1996 a jury composed of 14 independent experts from marketing, advertising, design and the art world judged the designs. The jury drew up two shortlists: one had five sets of designs on the theme "Ages and styles of Europe" and the other a further five sets of designs on an "abstract/modern" theme.

EOS Gallup Europe, which has considerable experience in the field of public opinion polls throughout Europe, was then commissioned to conduct a survey on public acceptance of the shortlisted designs. About 2,000 people throughout Europe took part in this survey. Two separate groups – professional cash handlers and members of the general public – were shown all ten design series and asked to give their opinions by completing a detailed questionnaire.

The EMI Council chose the design series in December 1996 on the basis of recommendations submitted by the jury and the results of the public survey.

Why is the word EURO written in both Greek and Latin letters?

The name of the currency appears in both Latin (EURO) and Greek letters (EYPO) because both alphabets are used in the European Union.

What bridges appear on the back of the euro banknotes?

The bridges depicted on the back of the banknotes exemplify the architecture typical of each age and do not represent specific constructions. If specific bridges could be easily identified in the illustrations, the banknotes in question would inevitably be associated with a specific country. The stylised illustrations of the bridges simply point to a particular period in European history. Bridges similar to those in the illustrations can be found in many parts of Europe. The same applies to the windows and gateways in the banknote designs.

Were specific steps taken to make it easier for the blind and partially sighted to recognise the various euro banknotes?

The European Union of the Blind was consulted from the start of the design phase of the euro banknotes (1995) because designs that are good for the blind and partially sighted are good for everyone. The outcome of the discussions is that the euro banknotes are very user-friendly.

The seven denominations each have a different size, making it easier for blind and partially sighted persons to distinguish between them. Enhanced intaglio printing puts some of the elements of the banknote design into relief. For example, the large numbers (ie the value numerals) on the front of the notes are raised slightly above the surface of the paper and can be identified by touch. There are also tactile bars on the bottom edge of the €200 banknotes and on the right-hand edge of the €500 notes.

The following features help partially sighted people to recognise the different banknotes:

• Each banknote has its own predominant colour (for example, blue in the case of the €20 banknote).
• Strongly contrasting colours have been chosen to distinguish between the successive denominations (for example, the €10 banknote is red while the €20 note is blue).
• The values of the banknotes are shown in large, highly legible figures.

Can I obtain euro banknotes with specific serial numbers?

No. Issuing banknotes with specific numbers, for example for collector's purposes, is not possible for organisational reasons.

Can I obtain complete printed sheets of euro banknotes?

Yes. Printed sheets of €5, €10 and €20 banknotes can be obtained from the following sources in Germany:

Museum shop in the Money Museum at the Deutsche Bundesbank

• Wilhelm-Epstein-Strasse 14
• 60431 Frankfurt am Main
• Germany
• +49 69 5603 0738
• +49 69 5603 0739
• info@geldmuseum-shop.de
• www.geldmuseum-shop.de

Euro Information Centre & Bookshop at the European Central Bank

• Kaiserstrasse 29
• D - 60311 Frankfurt
• +49 (0) 69 24 40 - 47 98
• +49 (0) 69 24 40 - 47 99
• euro-infoshop@t-online.de

The euro banknotes carry the following signature letters to indicate the issuing national central bank:

Which islands are depicted in the lower part of the back of the euro banknotes?

The following islands appear on the back of the euro banknotes: Azores, the Canary Islands, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Madeira, Martinique and Réunion.

Why do the euro banknotes "light up" under ultraviolet light (UV light)?

For information on the UV properties of the euro banknotes, see the guidelines on how to identify counterfeit euro banknotes.

What happens if I find I have counterfeit banknotes?

You will find information on how to deal with counterfeit money in the separate section Counterfeit money. You will also find guidance on counterfeit euro banknotes there.