Guide To Detecting Counterfeit Euro (EUR) Notes

How to Identify Counterfeit EUR (€) Currency Notes

For travelers heading from India to Europe, one of the first essential tasks is exchanging Indian Rupees for the local currency. The Euro, the official currency of many European countries within the Eurozone, is available in seven denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. It's important to note that there are two series of Euro banknotes currently in circulation: the first series, introduced in 2002, and the more recent Europa series, which features enhanced security features and has been gradually released since 2013. While both series are legal tender, it’s crucial to ensure the authenticity of the Euro banknotes you receive during currency exchange in India. This guide will help you understand the key security features of real Euro banknotes and show you how to spot counterfeit ones easily.

General Security Features of Euro Banknotes

Paper Quality and UV Features:

Euro banknotes are printed on special paper made from 100% pure cotton, which gives them a firm and crisp feel, and is very different from the smooth paper used for regular documents. If a note feels too smooth, thin, or even waxy, it could be fake. While specialized equipment is needed for this check, under UV light, small fibers embedded in the paper will appear in red, blue, and green colors in the first series, and show three different colors each in the Europa series.

Raised Print:

Another key feature to check is the raised print, also called intaglio printing. This special printing method gives parts of the front of the banknote a slightly rough, raised feel. If you run your fingers over the note, especially on areas like the initials of the European Central Bank (ECB), the large number showing the value, and some of the lettering around it, you should feel the ink standing out. In the newer Europa series notes, you’ll also find short raised lines along the left and right edges of the banknote.

Watermark:

When you hold a real Euro banknote up to the light, you’ll see a watermark appear within the paper. It’s made during the paper-making process by changing the thickness of the fibers, thereby creating a shadow-like image. On the first series of notes, the watermark shows the main architectural motif of the banknote, such as a window or gateway, along with the corresponding value numeral. On the newer Europa series, you’ll see a portrait of the mythological figure Europa along with the value.

Security Thread:

Another crucial security feature visible when holding a banknote to the light is the security thread. This appears as a dark, thin line embedded within the banknote paper, running vertically from top to bottom. Also embedded within the security thread is microprinted text, which includes the word "EURO" and the value of the banknote in very small, yet clear enough to read when viewed under magnification.

See-Through Register:

Primarily found on the first series of Euro banknotes is the see-through register. This feature consists of an incomplete image or pattern printed on both the front and back of the banknote. When the banknote is held against a light source, these incomplete parts align perfectly to form a complete image or number, typically the value numeral of the banknote or the currency symbol. The precise alignment of these elements is difficult for counterfeiters to achieve.

A Detailed Guide to Identifying Counterfeit EUR Currency by Denomination

Feature	First Series	Europa Series
Paper Texture	Crisp and firm	Crisp and firm
Raised Print	ECB initials, arch, "X" text	ECB initials, arch, "X" text, Short raised lines
Watermark	Value "X", Arch	Portrait of Europa, Value "X"
Security Thread	Dark line with "EURO" and value numeral	Dark line with "EURO" and value numeral
See-Through Register	Present on €5, €10, €20	Not present
Portrait Window	Not applicable	Shows a portrait of Europa
Hologram	Stripe with € symbol and numeral	Silver stripe with Portrait of Europa and € symbol
Glossy Stripe	€5, €10, €20 show value and € symbol	Not present
Colour-Shifting Ink	€50, €100, €200, €500 change colour (magenta to green)	Replaced by Emerald Number on the front
Emerald Number	Not applicable	Shiny numeral with vertical color shift
Satellite Hologram	Not applicable	€100, €200, €500 have hologram with moving € symbols

€5 Banknotes

To verify a €5 banknote, one should start by first feeling the paper. It should be crisp and firm.
On the front, raised print can be felt on the ECB initials, the classical architectural motif (an arch), the large numeral "5", and the surrounding text. For the Europa series €5 note, a series of short raised lines can be felt along the left and right edges.
Next, look at the banknote against the light. The watermark in the first series will show the value numeral "5" and a classical arch, while the Europa series will display a portrait of Europa and the numeral "5".
The security thread will appear as a dark line with the word "EURO" and the numeral "5" visible in microprinting. For the first series €5 note, the see-through register at the top left of the front and top right of the back will form a complete "5" when held to the light.
Finally, tilt the banknote. The hologram stripe on the right side of the first series €5 note will shimmer and show the € symbol and the numeral "5". On the Europa series €5 note, this stripe will be silver-colored and will show a portrait of Europa, a gateway, the € symbol, and the numeral "5".
The first series €5 note also features a glossy stripe on the back that shows the numeral "5" and the euro symbol when tilted. The Europa series €5 banknote has an emerald number in the bottom left corner on the front. This shiny number "5" will display a light effect moving vertically and change color from emerald green to deep blue when tilted.

€10 Banknotes

To verify a €10 Euro banknote, start by feeling the paper for its crisp and firm texture.
Raised print can be felt on the ECB initials, the Romanesque architectural motif (an arch), the numeral "10", and the surrounding text on the front. The Europa series €10 banknote has a series of short raised lines with one break on both the left and right edges.
Next, look at the banknote against the light. The watermark of the first series will show the numeral "10" and a Romanesque arch, while the Europa series will feature a portrait of Europa and the numeral "10".
The security thread will appear as a dark line with "EURO" and "10" in microprinting. The first series €10 note has a see-through register where incomplete parts of the numeral "10" on the front and back combine to form a complete "10" when held to the light.
Finally, tilt the banknote. The hologram stripe on the right side of the first series €10 note will shimmer and show the € symbol and the numeral "10". The Europa series €10 note has a silver-colored holographic stripe showing a portrait of Europa, a gateway, the € symbol, and the numeral "10".
The first series €10 banknote also has a glossy stripe on the back showing the numeral "10" and the euro symbol when tilted. The Europa series €10 banknote features an emerald number "10" in the bottom left corner on the front, which displays a moving light effect and changes color from emerald green to deep blue when tilted.

€20 Banknotes

To check a €20 Euro banknote, begin by feeling the crisp and firm paper.
Raised print can be felt on the ECB initials, the Gothic architectural motif (an arch), the numeral "20", and the surrounding text on the front. The Europa series €20 banknote has a series of short raised lines with two breaks on both the left and right edges.
Next, look at the banknote against the light. The watermark of the first series will show the numeral "20" and a Gothic arch 20, while the Europa series will display a portrait of Europa and the numeral "20".
The security thread will appear as a dark line with "EURO" and "20" in microprinting. The first series €20 note has a see-through register where incomplete parts of the numeral "20" on the front and back combine to form a complete "20" when held to the light.
Another significant feature of the € 20 Europa series banknote is the portrait window. When held against the light, a transparent window near the top of the holographic stripe reveals a portrait of Europa visible on both sides of the note.
It is interesting to know that the €20 Europa series banknote is the first denomination to incorporate the portrait window. Notably, the Europa series €5 and €10 notes do not have a portrait window.
Finally, tilt the banknote. The hologram stripe on the right side of the first series €20 note will shimmer and show the € symbol and the numeral "20". The Europa series €20 note has a silver-colored holographic stripe showing a portrait of Europa, a gateway, the € symbol, and the numeral "20".
The first series €20 banknote also has a glossy stripe on the back showing the numeral "20" and the euro symbol when tilted. The Europa series €20 banknote features an emerald number "20" in the bottom left corner on the front, which displays a moving light effect and changes color from emerald green to deep blue when tilted.

€50 Banknotes

To authenticate a €50 Euro banknote, first feel the paper for its crisp and firm texture.
Raised print can be felt on the ECB initials, the Renaissance architectural motif (a window), the numeral "50", and some surrounding text on the front. The Europa series €50 banknote has a series of continuous short raised lines on both the left and right edges.
Next, look at the banknote against the light. The watermark of the first series will show the numeral "50" and a Renaissance arch, while the Europa series will display a portrait of Europa and the numeral "50".
The security thread will appear as a dark line with "EURO" and "50" in microprinting. The first series €50 note has a see-through register where incomplete parts of the numeral "50" on the front and back combine to form a complete "50" when held to the light.
Similar to the €20 note, the Europa series €50 banknote features a portrait window. When held against the light, a transparent window in the hologram patch reveals a portrait of Europa visible on both sides of the note.
Finally, tilt the banknote. The hologram patch on the right side of the first series €50 note will be silver-colored and will show the € symbol, the architectural motif, and the numeral "50". The Europa series €50 note has a silver-colored holographic patch revealing a portrait of Europa, the € symbol, the architectural motif, and the numeral "50".
The first series €50 banknote has colour-shifting ink on the back where the numeral "50" in the bottom right corner changes color from magenta to dark green when tilted. The Europa series €50 banknote features an emerald number "50" in the bottom left corner on the front, which displays a moving light effect and changes color from emerald green to deep blue when tilted.

€100 Banknotes

To authenticate a €100 Euro banknote, first feel the paper for its crisp and firm texture.
Raised print can be felt on the ECB initials, the Baroque and Rococo architectural motif (a window), the numeral "100", and the surrounding text on the front. The Europa series €100 banknote has a series of short raised lines with one break on both the left and right edges.
Next, look at the banknote against the light. The watermark of the first series will show the numeral "100" and a Baroque/Rococo arch, while the Europa series will display a portrait of Europa and the numeral "100".
The security thread will appear as a dark line with "EURO" and "100" in microprinting. The first series €100 note has a see-through register where incomplete parts of the numeral "100" on the front and back combine to form a complete "100" when held to the light.
The Europa series €100 banknote features a portrait window. When held against the light, a transparent window in the hologram patch reveals a portrait of Europa visible on both sides of the note.
Finally, tilt the banknote. The hologram patch on the right side of the first series €100 note will be silver-colored and will show the € symbol, the architectural motif, and the numeral "100". The Europa series €100 note has a silver-colored holographic stripe revealing a portrait of Europa, the € symbol, the architectural motif, and the numeral "100".
The first series €100 banknote has colour-shifting ink on the back where the numeral "100" in the bottom right corner changes color from purple to brown when tilted. The Europa series €100 banknote features an emerald number "100" in the bottom left corner on the front, which displays a moving light effect and changes color from emerald green to deep blue when tilted. It also includes small € symbols within the numeral.
Another distinctive feature of the €100 Europa series banknote is the satellite hologram. At the top of the holographic stripe, when tilted, two € symbols move around the value numeral "100".

€200 Banknotes

To verify a €200 Euro banknote, begin by feeling the crisp and firm paper.
Raised print can be felt on the ECB initials, the Art Nouveau architectural motif (a window), the numeral "200", and some surrounding text on the front. The Europa series €200 banknote has a series of short raised lines with two breaks on both the left and right edges.
Next, look at the banknote against the light. The watermark of the first series will show the numeral "200" and an Art Nouveau arch, while the Europa series will display a portrait of Europa and the numeral "200".
The security thread will appear as a dark line with "EURO" and "200" in microprinting. The first series €200 note has a see-through register where incomplete parts of the numeral "200" on the front and back combine to form a complete "200" when held to the light.
Similar to the €20 and €50 notes, the Europa series €200 banknote features a portrait window. When held against the light, a transparent window in the hologram patch reveals a portrait of Europa visible on both sides of the note.
Finally, tilt the banknote. The hologram patch on the right side of the first series €200 note will be silver-colored and will show the € symbol, the architectural motif, and the numeral "200". The Europa series €200 note has a silver-colored holographic stripe revealing a portrait of Europa, the € symbol, the architectural motif, and the numeral "200".
The first series €200 banknote has colour-shifting ink on the back where the numeral "200" in the bottom right corner changes color from purple to brown when tilted. The Europa series €200 banknote features an emerald number "200" in the bottom left corner on the front, which displays a moving light effect and changes color from emerald green to deep blue when tilted. It also includes small € symbols within the numeral.
Like the €100 Europa series banknote, the €200 note also features a satellite hologram. At the top of the holographic stripe, when tilted, two € symbols move around the value numeral "200".

€500 Banknotes

To check the highest denomination, the €500 Euro banknote, first feel the paper for its crisp and firm texture.
Raised print should be felt on the ECB initials, the modern 20th-century architectural motif (a window), the numeral "500", and the surrounding text on the front. For the Europa series €500 banknote, a series of continuous short raised lines on the left and right edges is there, consistent with other higher denominations in this series.
Next, look at the banknote against the light. The watermark of the first series will show the numeral "500" and modern 20th-century architecture. The Europa series will display a portrait watermark of Europa and the numeral "500".
The security thread will appear as a dark line with "EURO" and "500" in microprinting. The first series €500 note has a see-through register where incomplete parts of the numeral "500" on the front and back combine to form a complete "500" when held to the light.
The Europa series €500 banknote will also feature a portrait window in the hologram patch, revealing a portrait of Europa visible on both sides of the note.
Finally, tilt the banknote. The hologram patch on the right side of the first series €500 note will be silver-colored and will show the € symbol, the architectural motif, and the numeral "500". The Europa series €500 note will have a silver-colored holographic stripe revealing a portrait of Europa, the € symbol, the architectural motif, and the numeral "500".
The first series €500 banknote has colour-shifting ink on the back where the numeral "500" in the bottom right corner changes color from magenta to dark green when tilted. The Europa series €500 banknote features an emerald number "500" in the bottom left corner on the front, displaying a moving light effect and changing color from emerald green to deep blue when tilted.

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