Euro Money Symbol: Design and Security Features
The euro banknotes, featuring the Euro Money Symbol (€), are meticulously designed with both aesthetics and security in mind. The design process involved extensive research and consultation, including input from visually impaired users, resulting in banknotes that are both beautiful and functional.
The architectural styles featured on euro banknotes span various periods in European history, from Classical to 19th-century iron and glass architecture. These styles are represented abstractly, symbolizing Europe’s rich cultural heritage without depicting specific monuments.
A revised map of Europe, including Malta and Cyprus, is displayed on the back of each banknote in the Europa series. Small boxes near the bottom edge indicate the Canary Islands and French overseas territories where the euro is also used. Very small islands are omitted due to the limitations of high-volume offset printing.
The distinct colors of each banknote—grey (€5), red (€10), blue (€20), orange (€50), green (€100), and yellow-brown (€200)—aid in quick identification. The euro money symbol itself is prominently displayed on each note.
The name “euro” is written in Latin (EURO), Greek (EYPΩ), and Cyrillic (EBPO) scripts, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the European Union. The initials of the European Central Bank (ECB) are printed in various linguistic variants according to EU protocol.
Security features, incorporated to deter counterfeiting, include watermarks, security threads, and holographic foils. The euro money symbol, often integrated into these security features, serves as a key element in verifying the authenticity of the banknotes.
Each banknote series bears the signature of the President of the European Central Bank during its issuance. While different signatures appear on various series, all euro banknotes remain legal tender. The serial numbers on the Europa series consist of a horizontal number printed in black and a vertical number in a different color. The first letter of the horizontal number identifies the printing works responsible for producing the banknote. The euro money symbol, a constant across all series and denominations, represents a unified currency and a shared European identity.