811) Europa Series of Banknotes: i) Presently circulating denominations: 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euro Banknotes: ii) Plans for introducing the remaining two denominations - 100 and 200 Euro by 28.05.2019:

811) Europa Series of Banknotes: i) Presently  circulating denominations: 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euro Banknotes:
ii) Plans for introducing the remaining two denominations - 100 and 200 Euro by 28.05.2019:

Evolution of the Euro Banknotes:

The Euro was launched on 01.01.1999, when it became the currency of more than 300 million people in Europe.

For the first three years, it was an invisible currency, used only for accounting purposes, in electronic payments. Euro cash was not introduced until 01.01.2002, when it replaced the Banknotes and Coins of the National Currencies like the Belgian Franc and the Deutsche Mark at fixed conversion rates.

Presently, Euro Banknotes and Coins are legal tender in 19 of the 28 Member States of the European Union, including the Overseas departments, territories and islands which are either part of, or associated with, Euro Area countries.

The micro-states of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican City also use the Euro, on the basis of a formal agreement with the European Community. Montenegro and Kosovo also use the Euro, but without a formal arrangement.

Cash payments are now made in the Euro by over 340 million people - Euro Banknotes and Coins have now become a tangible symbol of European integration. 

There are two Series of Euro Banknotes - the first Series comprises seven different denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro, while the second series or "Europa Series" consists of six denominations  of which, four denominations 5, 10, 20, 50 Euro Banknotes have already been circulated and 100 and 200 Euro banknotes will be circulated by 29.05.2019, throughout the Euro-zone simultaneously.  

The Banknotes of the Euro do not show the same year, instead they show the year when that particular Banknote was issued.

Withdrawal of the 500 Euro denomination:

The European Central Bank  (ECB) announced on 16.05.2016, that 500 denomination Euro Banknotes will no longer be issued or produced, as such this denomination would not undergo an update.Nevertheless, the already existing 500 Euro Banknotes will remain legal tender.

While the first Series of Euro Banknotes is being gradually replaced by the Europa Series, both Series of Banknotes in circulation are legal tender throughout the Euro Area. The date when the first Series of Euro Banknotes will cease to be legal tender, will be announced well in advance. Even then,the Banknotes of the first Series will always retain their value and can be exchanged for an unlimited period of time at the Euro-system National Commercial Banks (NCBs). 

Salient features of the Europa Series of Banknotes: 

The new Banknotes are called the "Europa Series" because two of their security features contain a portrait of Europa. Europa is from Greek Mythology and was also included in the new Euro Banknotes because of the name-link to the Continent of Europe and the image also adds a human touch to the Euro Banknotes.  The image of Europa has been taken from a vase in the Louvre in Paris.

The European Central Bank (ECB) and the National Central Banks (NCBs) of the Euro-system have as one of their major responsibilities to keep ahead of counterfeiters. As such, the Europa Series of Banknotes has been introduced with enhanced security features, among other features, which will "raise the bar" for counterfeiters/unscrupulous elements and supporting a robust anti-counterfeiting strategy.

The Europa Series of Banknotes has been introduced all over the Euro-Zone in a phased manner. The first four Banknotes in the Europa Series 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euro Banknotes started circulating in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017 respectively.

The 100 and 200 Euro Banknotes, which have been unveiled on 17.09.2018 will start circulating on 28.05.2019. The circulation of these Banknotes will complete the issuance of Europa Series of Banknotes.

The Euro Banknotes are made of pure cotton fibre, which improves their durability and gives every Banknote a distinct feel. The new Europa Series Banknotes are more durable than the First Series and will need to be replaced less frequently - thereby reducing costs and the impact on the environment.

Design Elements: The design of the Europa series Banknotes is based on the "Ages and Styles" theme of the First Series. The new Banknotes have been modified in order to give them a fresh look.

An independent Banknote designer Reinhold Gerstetter, based in Berlin has been tasked with designing the new look for the Banknotes. He has created visual elements that are more rounded and bridges that are more three-dimensional. These changes make all the Banknotes of the Europa Series of Banknotes more distinguishable from the First Series.

A representation of the architecture depicted on one of the Europa Series Banknotes

On the Front of both Series of Euro Banknotes, windows and doorways are shown. They symbolise the European spirit of openness and cooperation. The bridges on the Back of the Banknotes symbolise communication between the people of Europe and between Europe and the rest of the world.

Like the first Series, the new Europa Series Banknotes show architectural styles from various periods in Europe's history, but do not show any actual existing monuments or bridges.  The styles are as under:

5 Euro   (Classical) 

10 Euro  (Romanesque) 

20 Euro  (Gothic)

50 Euro  (Renaissance)

100 Euro (Baroque and Rococo)

200 Euro (19th Century Iron and Glass Architecture)

Europe has a great number of bridges, arches and gateways throughout the European Continent. All the structures represented on the Banknotes are entirely stylised illustrations of the relevant architectural styles, designed to evoke the landmarks within the European Union, representing various European Ages and styles. 

Map of Europe:

A geographical representation of Europe is depicted on the Back of both the Series of Euro Banknotes.

A representation of how the Revised Map of Europe appears on the 500 Euro Banknotes left bottom and what countries/islands they represent

The Europa Series has a revised map of Europe, including Malta and Cyprus. The tiny boxes near the bottom of the Banknotes show the Canary Islands and some Overseas Territories of France, where the Euro is used.

Very small islands are not shown on the Banknotes because they cannot be accurately positioned/reproduced using high-volume offset printing.

Colour Schemes of the Europa Series of Banknotes:

Each Banknote has a distinct colour. The Europa Series of Banknotes are the same colour as the First Series - 5 Euro (grey), 10 Euro (red), 20 Euro (blue), 50 Euro (orange), 100 Euro (green) and 200 Euro (yellow).

Name of the currency (languages used):

While the name of the currency - Euro - is mentioned in Latin (EURO) and the Greek (EYPO) alphabets for the First Series, the Europa Series has also included the name in the Cyrillic alphabet (EBPO), as a result of Bulgaria joining the European Union (EU).

Linguistic variants denoting the European Central Bank:

The initials of the European Central Bank are given in nine linguistic variants for the new 5, 10 and 20 Euro Banknotes and in ten linguistic variants for the new 50, 100 and 200 Banknotes, taking into account Croatia's accession to the EU in 2013.

The abbreviations are printed according to the EU protocol order for countries and for the official languages:

BCE (French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish)
ECB (Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Latvian, Lithuanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Swedish)
EIIb (Bulgarian)
EZB (German)
EKP (Estonian, Finnish)
EKT (Greek)
ESB (Croatian)
EKB (Hungarian)
BCE (Maltese)
EBC (Polish)

(Also seen on every Banknotes is the symbol "C" indicating copyright protection and the 12 stars of the EU Flag).

Identification features for the visually impaired users:

Several specific features have been included in the Europa Series of Banknotes for visually impaired users:

Different sizes of the Banknotes - the bigger the value, the larger the Banknote

The Banknotes have clearly contrasting, striking colours.

Large denominations printed on the Banknotes with intaglio (raised) print

Tactile marks on the 200 and 500 Euro Banknotes of the First Series and on all the Banknotes of the Europa Series

Country Codes:

The Central Bank that commissioned the printing of a Banknote (but not necessarily the country of printing) is indicated by a letter or country code preceding the serial number:

Belgium  (Z)
Germany (X)
Estonia    (D)
Ireland    (T)
Greece    (Y)
Spain      (V)
France     (U)
Italy        (S)
Cyprus     (G)
Latvia      (C)
Lithuania  (B)
Luxembourg (#) Uncirculated Euro Banknotes issued by the Banque Centrale du Luxembourg bear the code of the Central Banks of the countries where the Banknotes for Luxenbourg have been printed.
Malta          (F)
Netherlands (P)
Austria        (N)
Portugal      (M)
Slovenia      (H)
Slovakia      (E)
Finland        (L)

Serial Numbers on the Europa Series of Banknotes:

The serial numbers on the Europa Series of Banknotes are the two numbers printed on the Back of the Banknote - a horizontal number printed in black and a vertical number printed in a different colour.

The horizontal number comprises two letters and 10 digits. The first letter identifies the printing works. The second letter has no particular meaning and simply makes more serial numbers possible.

The Printing Works and Letters:

Nationale Bank van Belgie/Banque Nationale de Belgique                                         : Z
Bank of Greece                                : Y
Giesecke & Devrient GmbH (Munich)  : X
Gisecke & Devrient GmbH (Leipzig)    : W
IMBISA                                            : V
Banque de France                             : U
Central Bank of Ireland                      : T
Banca d'Italia                                    : S
Bundesdruckerei GmbH                     : R
Joh Enschede Security Printing BV      : P
Oesterreichische Banknoten und
Sicherheitsdruck GmbH                     : N
Valora                                             : M
Not assigned                                    : L
Not assigned                                    : K
De La Rue Currency (Gateshead)       : J
De La Rue Currency (Loughton)         : H
Not assigned                                    : G
Not assigned                                    : F
Oberthur Fuduciaire                          : E
Polska Wytwornia Papierow
Wartosciowych                                 : D
Not assigned                                    : C
Not assigned                                    : B
Not assigned                                    : A

Signatures:

Three signatures appear on the Euro Banknote Series, either that of - Willem F. Duisenberg, Jean-Claude Trichet or Mario Draghi, the first, second and third Presidents of the European Central Bank (ECB) respectively, which are all equally valid. As of 2017, however, only Mario Draghi has signed the Europa Series Banknotes.

            The individual specimen signatures of the three officials

Security Features of the Europa Series Euro Banknotes:

The firm and crisp paper, the raised print (intaglio print), the Portrait Watermark, Standard watermark, Digital watermark, Variable Colour Ink, Magnetic Ink, the Security Thread, the Emerald Number (Optically Variable Ink - OVI - is an anti-counterfeiting measure used on many modern Banknotes, security paper and important documents. When the Banknote is viewed from different angles, the colour changes conspicuously), the portrait hologram, UC and UV-C, Infrared and micro-print, matted surface, Bar Code etc. are the several features which have been introduced/included from the earlier security features of the First Series of Euro Banknotes.

Other Security features include:

Checksum: Every Banknote is given a unique serial number. The remainder from dividing the serial number by 9 gives checksum corresponding to the initial letter indicated on the Banknote.

Using a variation of the divisibility rule shortcut, the remainder from division by 9 can easily be found by adding the constituent digits and, if the sum still does not make the remainder obvious, adding the digits of the sum. Alternatively, substituting the letter with its ASCII (American Standard Code For Information Interchange) value makes the resulting number exactly divisible by 9.

Take for example the Serial no. Z10708476264, the ASCII Code for Z is 90, so the resulting number is 9010708476264. Dividing by 9 yields a remainder of 0. Using the divisibility rule again, the result can be checked speedily since the addition of all digits gives 54. The sum total of 5 + 4 = 9, which can again be divisible by 9 and the result is 0.

EURion Constellation: Euro Banknotes contain a pattern known as the EURion constellation that can be used to detect their identity as Banknotes to prevent copying and counterfeiting. Some photocopiers are programmed to reject images containing this pattern.

The individual Banknotes of the Europa Series, presently in circulation:

The Front of the Five Euro Banknote displays a Classical Architectural Design from the 5th Century AD.

Classical architecture usually denotes architecture which is conspicuously derived from the principles of Greek and Roman architecture of classical antiquity or sometimes from the work of Vitruvius. Different styles of classical architecture have existed since the time of the Carolingian Renaissance and from the Italian Renaissance.

The signature on this Banknote on top left is of Mario Draghi.

The Back of the 5 Euro Banknote displays a bridge constructed in the Classical Architectural Design, along with the Map of Europe, the 12 Stars of the European Union, the denomination in three languages and the number of the Banknote in vertical and horizontal print.

"V" is the Printing Works Code for IMBISA in the Serial number and is the country code assigned to Spain.

5 Euro Banknotes of the Europa Series were first issued in 2013. Its Dimensions/Size are - 120.0 mm x 62.0 mm and its predominant colour is Grey.

The Front of the 10 Euro Banknote displays a Romanesque Architectural design from the 11th to 12th Century AD.

Romanesque Architecture is an architectural style of medieval Europe characterised by semi-circular arches. It is believed that this style of Architecture originated around the 6th to 11th Century AD.

In the 12th Century it developed into the Gothic style, marked by pointed arches. Examples of Romanesque architectural style are found across Europe, making it the first pan-European architectural style since Imperial Roman architecture. Combining features of ancient Roman and Byzantine buildings , this style of architecture is characterised by its massive quality, thick walls, round arches, sturdy pillars, barrel vaults, large towers and decorative arcading.

Each building has clearly defined forms, frequently of very regular symmetrical plan. The style can be identified across Europe despite regional characteristics and different materials.
Many castles and churches were built during this period.

The signature on this Banknote on the top left is of Mario Draghi.

The Back of the 10 Euro Banknote shows a bridge constructed in the Romanesque Architectural style, along with a Map of Europe, the 12 stars of the European Union, the denomination in three languages and the number of the Banknote in vertical and horizontal print.

"P" in the Serial Number is the printing works code for Joh Enschede Security Printing BV for Netherlands.

The 10 Euro Banknotes of the Europa Series were first issued in in 2014. Its Dimensions/Size are - 127 mm x 67 mm and its predominant colour is Red.

The Front of the 20 Euro Banknote displays a Gothic Architectural Design which was prevalent from the 12th to 14th Century AD.

Gothic Architecture is a style that flourished in Europe during the High and Late Middle Ages. It evolved from Roman Architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance Architecture.

Originating in 12th Century France, it was widely used, especially for cathedrals and churches, until the 16th Century.

Its most prominent features included the use of rib vault and the flying buttress, which allowed the weight of the roof to be counter-balanced by buttresses outside the building, giving greater height and more space for windows. 

Another important feature was the extensive use of stained glass and the rose window to bring light and colour to the interior. Another feature was the use of realistic statuary on the exterior, particularly over the portals, to illustrate biblical stories for the largely illiterate parishioners.  

The first notable example was the Abbey of Saint-Denis near Paris, whose choir and façade were reconstructed were reconstructed with Gothic feature in 1144 AD. Several town halls and university buildings were also constructed in the Gothic Architectural design. A Gothic revival began in mid-18th Century England and spread through 19th Century Europe and continued largely for ecclesiastical and university buildings into the 20th Century.

The Back of the 20 Euro Banknote displays a bridge constructed in the Gothic Architectural Design, along with the Map of Europe, the 12 stars of the European Union, the denomination in three languages and the number of the Banknote in vertical and horizontal print.

"R" is the Printing Works Code for Bundesdruckerei GmbH.

20 Euro Banknotes of the Europa Series were first issued in 2015. Its Dimensions/Size are - 133.0 mm x 72.0 mm and its predominant colour is Blue.

The Front of the 50 Euro Banknote displays a Renaissance Architectural Design which was prevalent in the 14th to 17th Century AD.

Renaissance Architecture Styles is the European Architecture of the period between the early 14th and early 17th Centuries in different regions, which led to a revival of Greek and Roman thought and material culture. style  Stylistically, Renaissance Architecture followed Gothic Architecture and was succeeded by Baroque Architecture. Developed first in Florence, the Renaissance quickly spread to other Italian cities and was carried to France, Germany, England, Rissia and other parts of Europe at different dates and varying degrees of impact.

Renaissance style places emphasis on symmetry, proportion, geometry and the regularity of classical antiquity and in particular ancient Roman architecture. Orderly arrangements of columns, pilasters and lintels, as well as, the use of semi-circular arches, hemispherical domes, niches and aedicules replaced the more complex proportional systems and irregular profiles of medieval buildings.

The Back of the 50 Euro Banknote displays a bridge constructed in the Renaissance architectural Design, along with the Map of Europe, the 12 Stars of the European Union, the denomination in two languages and the number of the Banknote in vertical and horizontal print.

"Z" in the Serial number is the Printing Works Code for Nationale Bank van Belgie Banque Nationale de Belgique, which is also the country code for Belgium.

50 Euro Banknotes of the Europa Series were first issued in 2017. Its Dimensions/Size are - 140.0 mm x 77.0 mm and its predominant colour is orange.

ii) Plans to introduce 100 and 200 Euro Banknotes by 28.05.2019:

The European Central Bank has unveiled the remaining two denominations of Banknotes under the Europa Series of Banknotes on 17.09.2018 - the 100 & 200 Euro denominations.

The new 100 & 200 Euro denominations make use of new and innovative security features, just like the other denominations.  At the top of the silvery stripe is a satellite hologram which shows small Euro symbols that move around the Banknote's numeric value and become clearer under direct light. The silvery stripe also shows the portrait of Europa, the architectural motif and a large euro symbol.

The new Banknotes also feature an enhanced emerald number which can be seen to the lower left on the Front of the Banknotes. While the emerald number itself is present on all the other Banknote denominations of the Europa Series, this enhanced version also shows Euro symbols inside the numerals.

In addition to the security features that can be seen by the "naked eye", the Euro Banknotes also contain machine-readable security features. On the new 100 Euro and 200 Euro Banknotes, these features have been enhanced and new ones have been added to enable the Banknotes to be processed and authenticated swiftly.

The Front of the 100 Euro Banknote will display the Baroque & Rococo Architectural Design, which was prevalent in the 17th to 18th Century.

The Baroque is a highly ornate and often extravagant style of Architecture, Art and Music that flourished in Europe from the early 17th Century to the late 18th Century. It followed the Renaissance style and preceded Rococo and Neo-classical styles.

The Baroque style used contrast, movement, exuberant detail, deep colour, grandeur and surprise to achieve a sense of awe. The style began at the start of the 17th Century in Rome, then spread rapidly to France, Northern Italy, Spain and Portugal, then to Austria and Southern Germany.

By the 1730s, it had evolved into an even more flamboyant style, called "Rocaille" (or Rococo), which appeared in France and Central Europe until the late 18th Century.

The signature on this Banknote at top left is of Mario Draghi.

The Back of the 100 Euro Banknote will display a bridge constructed in the Baroque & Rococo Architectural Design, along with a Map of Europe, the 12 Stars of the European Union, the denomination in three languages and the serial number of the Banknote in vertical and horizontal print.

"S" in the Serial number is the Printing works Code for Banca d'Italia and is also the country code for Italy.

100 Euro Banknotes  of the Europa series will be issued by 28.05.2019.

The Dimensions/Size of this Banknote will be 147.0 mm x 77.0 mm and its predominant colour will be Green.

The Front of the 200 Euro Banknote will display the Age of Iron and Glass Architecture, which was prevalent in the 19th to 20th Century AD.

Every year since 2004, several European countries participate in the Europa Coin Programme - the Europa Star series - which highlight European achievements, anniversaries and common history or cultural ties. The theme since 2016 for a five year long co-ordinated programme is "The Ages of Europe" which will conclude in 2020. The theme for 2017 was "The Age of Iron and Glass". While several European Union countries have participated in the Europa Coin Programme for issuing Proof quality Silver coins on this theme, the theme has been carried onto the 200 Euro Banknote design, as well.

The signature on this Banknote at top left is that of Mario Draghi.

Some illustrative posts on coins issued under the Europa Coin Programme on this Blog are:

1) Europa Coin Programme: A series of six coins issued by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) with the theme "The Age of Iron & Glass" in January 2017

2) The Golden Age of Finnish Art: A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the Mit of Finland with the theme "The Age of Iron And Glass" on 20.02.2017

3) Baptism of Christ: 50 Euro Gold and 10 Euro Silver Coins issued by the Central Bank of Malta on the theme "Baroque and Rococo Art" on 14.03.2018

The Back of the 200 Euro Banknote will display a bridge constructed during the Age of Iron & Glass, along with the Map of Europe, the denomination in three languages and the serial number of the Banknote in vertical and horizontal print.

"S" is the printing works code assigned to "Banca d Italia" and the country code assigned to Italy.

200 Euro Banknotes of the Europa Series will be issued till 28.05.2019. Its Dimensons/Size are - 153 mm x 77.0 mm and its predominant colour will be Yellow.

(The four Banknotes of the denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euros presented above are from the collection of Jayant Biswas. Post researched & written by Rajeev Prasad)