March 17, 2016

The European Central Bank launched a new series of euro banknotes, starting with the €50 note, as part of efforts to enhance security features.

Frankfurt, Germany | European Central Bank

Launch of the New €50 Euro Banknote Series

On March 17, 2016, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced the launch of a new series of euro banknotes, beginning with the €50 note. This initiative was part of the ECB’s ongoing efforts to enhance the security features of euro banknotes and to stay ahead of counterfeiters.

Background

The euro, introduced in 1999, is the official currency of the Eurozone, which comprises 19 of the 27 European Union member states. The original series of euro banknotes, known as the “Europa series,” was first issued in 2002. Over time, advancements in technology necessitated updates to the banknotes to incorporate more sophisticated security features.

Key Features of the New €50 Note

The new €50 note was part of the second series of euro banknotes, also referred to as the “Europa series.” This series was named after the figure of Europa from Greek mythology, whose portrait appears in the watermark and hologram of the banknotes. The €50 note included several advanced security features:

  • Portrait Window: A transparent window near the top of the hologram stripe reveals a portrait of Europa when held against the light.
  • Emerald Number: The numeral on the lower left corner changes color from emerald green to deep blue when tilted, and displays an effect of the light moving up and down.
  • Enhanced Watermark: The watermark includes a portrait of Europa, which becomes visible when the note is held up to the light.
  • Raised Print: The note features raised print, which can be felt by touch, providing a tactile element for verification.

Significance and Impact

The introduction of the new €50 note was significant for several reasons:

  • Security: By incorporating cutting-edge security features, the ECB aimed to reduce the risk of counterfeiting, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in the currency.
  • Circulation: The €50 note is one of the most widely used denominations in the Eurozone, making its security enhancements particularly important.
  • Design Continuity: While the new series introduced modern security features, it maintained the familiar design elements of the euro banknotes, ensuring ease of recognition and continuity for users.

Conclusion

The launch of the new €50 euro banknote on March 17, 2016, marked a significant step in the ECB’s efforts to safeguard the integrity of the euro currency. By updating the security features of the banknotes, the ECB demonstrated its commitment to protecting the currency from counterfeiting and ensuring its reliability for users across the Eurozone. This initiative was part of a broader strategy to gradually introduce updated banknotes for all denominations in the euro series.

Reference: www.ecb.europa.eu