Literally hours before we become the 21st member of the eurozone - here are some interesting facts about the currency, which is the second most used in the world, and is in the pockets of 341 million people.
Currently, 29 billion euro banknotes are in use with a total value of over 1.5 trillion euros. The most commonly used denomination is 50 euros, and according to data from the European Central Bank, the most counterfeited are the 20 and 50 euro banknotes, BNT listed.
There are two series of euro banknotes that have been issued so far - the first is from the year the euro was used - 2002. 7 different denominations were printed then - 5 €, 10 €, 20 €, 50 €, 100 €, 200 € and 500 €. These banknotes were gradually replaced by the second series, named “Europe“, with only the 500 euro banknote no longer being issued, although it remains legal tender.
The banknotes of the second series are much more protected against counterfeiting and more durable. They now have the word "euro" written in Cyrillic, and there is a portrait of Princess Europa from Greek mythology. What's more - the windows, doors and bridges on them do not actually exist.
11 printing houses in Europe are certified to produce euro banknotes. And something curious about them - euro banknotes make more noise than levs, for example, because the paper is mainly made from cotton fibers.
As for euro coins, it's different - they are minted in every member state of the eurozone and have a national side.