Counterfeit detection

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.

Banknote "paper" consists of cotton. It feels crisp and firm. With some experience, genuine money can be detected just by the feel of the paper.

The first denomination of the Europa Series was the 5 Euro banknote, which was introduced on 2 May 2013. On 23 Septermber 2014, the new 10 Euro banknote was next.The introduction of the 20 Euro banknote of the Europa Series was on 25 November 2015 and the 50 Euro banknote on 4 April 2017. The last denominations are the 100 and 200 Euro banknotes. They are available since 28 May 2019. All banknotes of the first series remain valid, but will disappear gradually from circulation.

Details of the security features

Please choose a banknote (front or reverse) by clicking on the image:

Europa series

Front side Reverse side
5 euro banknote Europa series - front side
5 euro banknote Europa series - reverse side
10 euro banknote Europa series - front side
10 euro banknote Europa series - reverse side
20 euro banknote Europa series - front side
20 euro banknote Europa series - reverse side
50 euro banknote Europa series - front side
50 euro banknote Europa series - reverse side
100 euro banknote Europa series - front side
100 euro banknote Europa series - reverse side
200 euro banknote Europa series - front side
200 euro banknote Europa series - reverse side

First series

Front side Reverse side
5 euro banknote, first series - front side
5 euro banknote, first series - reverse side
10 euro banknote, first series - front side
10 euro banknote, first series - reverse side
20 euro banknote, first series - front side
20 euro banknote, first series - reverse side
50 euro banknote, first series - front side
50 euro banknote, first series - reverse side
100 euro banknote - front side
100 euro banknote - reverse side
200 euro banknote - front side
200 euro banknote - reverse side
500 euro banknote - front side
Rückseite einer 500-Euro-Banknote