Euro coins and banknotes

The euro banknote series comprises of seven different values and the euro coin series comprises of eight different values.

The banknotes, valued €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500, differ in size and colour and they bear various security features. They are legal tender throughout the eurozone. The banknotes were designed by Robert Kalina of the Austrian Central Bank. He was inspired by the "ages and styles of Europe".

On the front the banknotes show stylised illustrations of windows and gateways which symbolise openness. On the reverse side are bridges symbolising communication. The bridges shown do not actually exist - they merely exemplify an architectural style or a period in European history. If a particular bridge was associated with the country where it is located such banknotes would not be universal for all countries of the EU.

Euro banknote carries special features that help blind and partially sighted people to recognize the values (denominations) of the banknotes. Each banknote denomination has a different size (dimension) and the printing is in relief, using a special printing method known as “intaglio”. Also, the striking and clearly contrasting colours of neighbouring denominations should help partially sighted people to recognise the different values (e.g. the €10 banknote is red and the €20 banknote is blue).

The coins have values of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, €1 and €2. They have a common side and a characteristic national side. In 1997 the designs by Mr. Luc Luyx of the Royal Belgian Mint were chosen for the common side of the coins. You can use any Euro coin anywhere in the euro area.

The common sides of the coins show three differently stylised maps of Europe. Based on a public opinion poll three Slovak symbols were chosen for the national sides of the coins: the Double Cross in the middle of three hills, Krivan Peak and Bratislava castle.