Euro Notes

The designs for euro notes were chosen by the European Monetary Institute (EMI), the forerunner of the European Central Bank, in December 1996, following an EU-wide design competition. They were inspired by the theme "Ages and Styles of Europe". The winning design depicts the prevailing architectural style during seven ages in Europe's cultural history: Classical, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo, the age of iron and glass, and modern 20th Century architecture - and emphasizes three main architectural elements: windows, gateways and bridges.

Windows and gateways form the principal element of the front face of each banknote and symbolise the spirit of openness and co-operation in the European Union. The twelve stars of the EU are also featured. The reverse face of each banknote shows a bridge typical of the respective age of European development.

The other main aspects that are depicted on the banknotes are:

• the name of the currency, EURO, which appears in both the Latin and the Greek alphabet;
• the flag of the European Union on the reverse of the banknote;
• the initials of the issuing authority in five variants;
• the signature of the President of the ECB.

The banknotes increase in size as the denomination rises. Euro notes will be issued in seven denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro, as shown below. They are not illustrated here in actual dimensions. (Note: For details of the security features of the notes & coins see www.euro.ecb.int/en/section.html)  

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Euro Coins

Euro coins will have a common face and a national face; the designs for the common face were approved by the European Council in June 1997, following an EU-wide design competition. The designs for the common face represent the European Union in a range of forms: the first three coins (1, 2 and 5 cent) show Europe situated in the world; the 10, 20 and 50 cent coins show Europe as a collection of nations; the 1 and 2 euro coins show the European Union without borders.

The national face will in all cases show the 12 stars of the EU flag and the year. There will also be a national symbol. In Ireland's case, this will be the harp and the word "Éire". The design for the Irish face was produced by Mr Jarlath Hayes.

There will be 100 cent to the euro and coins will be issued in eight denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, and 1 and 2 euro as shown below. The coins are not illustrated in actual dimensions.

You can view each member state's national face by clicking on any of the following;