The seven euro banknotes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro) illustrate seven periods in European architecture: Antiquity, the Roman era, the Gothic era, the Renaissance, the baroque and rococo era, the 19th century (architecture in iron and steel) and the 20th century (modern architecture).
Three architectural features are used to betoken each era: windows, doors and bridges. They symbolise the European Union’s spirit of openness and cooperation, and the communication between nations.
Security features
Various security features have been incorporated into the euro banknotes. They will help you to recognise a genuine banknote at a glance.
The blind and partially sighted were involved at a very early stage in the preparation of the euro banknotes. The features designed for them are also useful to everyone: progressive sizes, relief features, dominant colour for each banknote and face values printed in large figures.
Rules on the reproduction of coins and notes
In order to avoid any confusion or any malpractice, the reproduction of euro banknotes is subject to very specific rules, and their use as an advertising medium is prohibited.
Banknote recycling
All professional cash handlers have an obligation to ensure that euro banknotes which they have received and which they intend to put back into circulation are checked for authenticity and that counterfeits are detected.