Euro Banknotes
There are seven euro banknotes: the €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200,
and €500. All the euro banknotes have common designs on the
theme “Ages and Styles of Europe”. The front of the
banknotes displays windows and doors that represent the European
spirit of openness and cooperation. The 12 stars of the European
Union represent the dynamism and harmony of contemporary Europe.
On the back of the banknotes one finds bridges representing the seven
different architectural periods in Europe. These symbolise the cooperation
and the close communication that exists between the peoples of Europe
and between Europe and the rest of the world.
The euro banknotes do not have any national side, and like the coins
they are legal tender in all the countries within the euro area.
Each one of the banknotes has a different size, increasing in size according
to the value of the banknote. The banknotes differ in the following ways
and are therefore easily identified.
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Different sizes: the
higher the value, the bigger the banknote. |
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Striking colours:
neighbouring denominations have clearly contrasting colours.
The €5 banknote
is grey and the €10 is red. The €20 is blue,
followed by an orange €50 and a green €100 banknote.
The €200 banknote is yellow-brown, the €500
banknote is purple. |
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The values are printed in large
numerals. |
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The banknotes are printed in relief,
using a special printing method known as "intaglio".
The €200 and €500 banknotes also bear tactile
marks printed in intaglio and positioned along their edges. |
ECB page on euro banknotes
Security Features
Various security features have been incorporated into the euro banknotes.
These have put in place to help recognise genuine banknotes.
ECB
page on security features
Those individuals that suspect counterfeit banknotes in circulation
can contact the Counterfeit Surveillance
Unit.
Euro Coins
As from 1 January 2008, Malta joined the euro area and the euro became Malta’s
national currency.
There are eight euro coins in circulation.
The 1 cent, 2 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent as well as the €1
and €2. All the coins differ in terms of size, weight, material,
colour and thickness. Their edges change according to the denomination.
Each one of the coins is easily identifiable, even for the visually impaired.
The coins with the highest denomination – those of the €1 and €2 – are
bi-metal. The coins of medium denomination – that is, those of 10
cent, 20 cent and 50 cent – are of Nordic gold colour, whilst those
of low denomination – that is of 1 cent, 2 cent and 5 cent – are
of red colour with a copper composition.
On the common European side there is
a map of Europe, as well as the 12 stars of the European Union. The maps
of Europe found on the 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent, as well as on the
coins of €1 and €2, have been modified to show the 2004 enlargement.
As for the national sides of the
euro coins, every country has its own national symbol or image.
In the case of Malta, the national sides are the eight-pointed
Maltese cross,
the Emblem of Malta and the altar at Mnajdra prehistoric temple.
Although the national sides are different for all euro area
countries, all the
euro coins can be used in all parts of the euro area.
ECB
page on euro coins
ECB
page on Maltese euro coin images
Information
Materials
Information material on euro banknotes
and coins can be found below.
ECB
page on information materials on the euro banknotes and coins
EU
Commission's page on the euro
Malti
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