Euro Currency Denominations

The euro currency comes in seven different denominations of banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. All euro banknotes are legal tender across the euro area countries. The banknotes are part of the Europa series, featuring enhanced security measures and a refreshed design.

The Europa series maintains the primary images and color schemes of the first series of euro banknotes. However, the “Ages and styles” theme, representing different European architectural periods, has been subtly updated. The Europa series is named after the figure from Greek mythology, Europa, whose portrait is incorporated into the watermark and hologram of the new banknotes.

The €100 and €200 banknotes, the final two denominations in the Europa series, were released in May 2019. These banknotes, like the others in the series, incorporate advanced security features to combat counterfeiting.

The €50 banknote of the Europa series was introduced in April 2017. It also features the portrait of Europa and enhanced security measures like the other denominations in the Europa series.

While the €500 banknote was part of the first series of euro banknotes, the European Central Bank (ECB) decided to discontinue its production and issuance in 2016. This decision aimed to deter illicit activities. The issuance of the €500 banknote stopped in 2018.

Although no longer issued, the €500 banknote remains legal tender and can still be used for payments and as a store of value. National central banks within the Eurosystem will continue to exchange €500 banknotes for other denominations indefinitely. Each euro currency denomination, regardless of when it was issued, will always retain its value. The integrity and quality of euro banknotes are crucial for maintaining public trust in the currency.