The denominations of euro banknotes embody the shared theme of "Ages and styles of Europe" and represent the architectural styles of seven periods of European cultural history. They have been legal tender in all of the participating European Union member states since 1 January 2002. In addition, the physical appearance of euro banknotes is identical throughout the euro area. The European Central Bank and the national central banks of the Eurosystem began rolling out a second series of euro banknotes in May 2013.

Facts and Figures

As of 1 January 2015, Deutsche Bundesbank branches will accept lodgements of coins from retail customers free of charge only if they comply with the standards laid down in the guidelines for the packaging of coin rolls and if whole numbers of standard containers are submitted per denomination.

In 2024, the Bundesbank registered approximately 72,400 counterfeit euro banknotes with a nominal value of €4.5 million in German payments. The number of counterfeits was thus up by 28% on the year. 

The Bundesbank registered roughly 72,400 counterfeit euro banknotes in German payments in 2024. Thus, the number of counterfeits was up by 28 % compared with the previous year. At the same time, however, the loss arising from counterfeiting went down. Overall, the incidence of counterfeit money remains moderate in scale: statistically speaking, in 2024 there were nine counterfeit banknotes per 10,000 inhabitants, said Burkhard Balz, member of the Bundesbank’s Executive Board.

The Bundesbank plays a pivotal role in the cash cycle. It issues new banknotes and coins, as well as removing unfit banknotes and coins from circulation.

Automation, digitalisation, process optimisation, pandemic preparedness, counterfeit money – all issues that have a bearing on cash management. Our new online courses address these topics and more. 

The new banknotes retain the basic features of the first banknote series with regard to the motifs and main colours depicted in the stylised windows, gateways and bridges, showing architectural styles from different periods of European history.

The counterfeits being spread at present can be detected by checking the security features. In most cases, counterfeiters focus on just one or only few security features. Therefore, it is advisable to check several features.