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Banknotes

There are two series of banknotes. The first series comprises seven different denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. The second series, or Europa series, consists of six denominations and was completed with the issuance of the €100 and €200 on 28 May 2019. The €500 banknote was not included in the Europa series and as of 27 April 2019 is no longer being issued. The first series of notes, originally issued in 2002, is gradually being replaced by the Europa series. All the notes are legal tender throughout the euro area.

Key dates
1 January 2023

Adoption of the euro by Croatia

28 May 2019

Introduction of the new €100 and €200

27 January 2019

End of €500 banknote issuance

17 September 2018

Unveiling of the Europa series €100 and €200 banknotes

4 April 2017

Introduction of the new €50

5 July 2016

Unveiling of the Europa series €50 banknote

25 November 2015

Introduction of the new €20

24 February 2015

Unveiling of the Europa series €20 banknote

1 January 2015

Adoption of the euro by Lithuania

23 September 2014

Introduction of the new €10

13 January 2014

Unveiling of the Europa series €10 banknote

1 January 2014

Adoption of the euro by Latvia

2 May 2013

Introduction of the new €5

10 January 2013

Unveiling of the Europa series €5 banknote

8 November 2012

ECB announces introduction of a second series of euro banknotes, named the Europa series

1 January 2011

Adoption of the euro by Estonia

1 January 2009

Adoption of the euro by Slovakia

1 January 2008

Adoption of the euro by Cyprus and Malta

1 January 2007

Adoption of the euro by Slovenia

1 January 2002

Introduction of euro banknotes and coins in 12 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain

€500 banknotes are no longer issued

On 27 January 2019, 17 of the 19 national central banks in the euro area stopped issuing €500 banknotes. In order to ensure a smooth transition and for logistical reasons, the Deutsche Bundesbank and the Oesterreichische Nationalbank stopped issuing the notes on 27 April 2019.

Existing €500 banknotes continue to be legal tender, so you can still use them as a means of payment and store of value (i.e. spend and save them). Similarly, banks, bureaux de change and other commercial parties can keep recirculating the existing €500 notes.

Like all denominations of euro banknotes, the €500 note will always retain its value and can be exchanged at a national central bank of the euro area at any time.

Tell us what you think about the banknotes you use every day

Your feedback is essential to making sure that the euro banknotes in circulation are of the best possible quality. Participate in a short online survey and tell us what you think about the banknotes that you handle every day.

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