What are the security features of Euro banknotes?

Euro banknotes contain a lot of security features which make a comprehensive checking possible.

The greatest strength of the new Euro banknotes lies in the combination of security features, some of which have already proved effective in many national banknotes.
The Euro banknotes are printed on pure cotton paper, which gives them a unique feel. By using a special printing technology some sections on the front of the banknotes can be identified by touch.

The security features of the 5 € banknote

1- Watermark
When the banknote is held up to the light, the image of the architectural motif and the value numeral become visible.

2 - Security thread
When the banknote is held up to the light a dark line becomes visible.

3 - Foil hologram
On the front side of the low-value banknotes (5€, 10€ and 20€) you will find the hologram foil stripe. When the banknote is tilted, the Euro symbol and the value of the banknote appear.

4 - Iridescent stripe
On the reverse side of the low-value banknotes (5€, 10€ and 20€) you will find the iridescent stripe besides the security thread. The iridescent stripe shines under a bright light and you can see the euro symbol inside the stripe together with the value numeral.

The security features of the 10 € banknote

1- Watermark
When the banknote is held up to the light, the image of the architectural motif and the value numeral become visible.

2 - Security thread
When the banknote is held up to the light a dark line becomes visible.

3 - Foil hologram
On the front side of the low-value banknotes (5€, 10€ and 20€) you will find the hologram foil stripe. When the banknote is tilted, the Euro symbol and the value of the banknote appear.

4 - Iridescent stripe
On the reverse side of the low-value banknotes (5€, 10€ and 20€) you will find the iridescent stripe besides the security thread. The iridescent stripe shines under a bright light and you can see the euro symbol inside the stripe together with the value numeral.

The security features of the 20 € banknote

1- Watermark
When the banknote is held up to the light, the image of the architectural motif and the value numeral become visible.

2 - Security thread
When the banknote is held up to the light a dark line becomes visible.

3 - Foil hologram
On the front side of the low-value banknotes (5€, 10€ and 20€) you will find the hologram foil stripe. When the banknote is tilted, the Euro symbol and the value of the banknote appear.

4 - Iridescent stripe
On the reverse side of the low-value banknotes (5€, 10€ and 20€) you will find the iridescent stripe besides the security thread. The iridescent stripe shines under a bright light and you can see the euro symbol inside the stripe together with the value numeral.

The security features of the 50 € banknote

1- Watermark
When the banknote is held up to the light, the image of the architectural motif and the value numeral become visible.

2 - Security thread
When the banknote is held up to the light a dark line becomes visible.

3 - Foil Patch
On the front side of the high-value banknotes (50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€) you will find the hologram foil patch. Move the banknote and look for a brightly coloured value numeral and the image of the architectural motif.

4 - Colour-shifting ink
50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€ banknotes have a colour-shifting ink feature. The value numeral looks purple when viewed straight on, but olive green or even brown when viewed at an angle.

The security features of the 100 € banknote

1- Watermark
When the banknote is held up to the light, the image of the architectural motif and the value numeral become visible.

2 - Security thread
When the banknote is held up to the light a dark line becomes visible.

3 - Foil Patch
On the front side of the high-value banknotes (50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€) you will find the hologram foil patch. Move the banknote and look for a brightly coloured value numeral and the image of the architectural motif.

4 - Colour-shifting ink
50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€ banknotes have a colour-shifting ink feature. The value numeral looks purple when viewed straight on, but olive green or even brown when viewed at an angle.

The security features of the 200 € banknote

1- Watermark
When the banknote is held up to the light, the image of the architectural motif and the value numeral become visible.

2 - Security thread
When the banknote is held up to the light a dark line becomes visible.

3 - Foil Patch
On the front side of the high-value banknotes (50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€) you will find the hologram foil patch. Move the banknote and look for a brightly coloured value numeral and the image of the architectural motif.

4 - Colour-shifting ink
50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€ banknotes have a colour-shifting ink feature. The value numeral looks purple when viewed straight on, but olive green or even brown when viewed at an angle.

The security features of the 500 € banknote

1 - Wasserzeichen
Im Gegenlicht sind das jeweilige Architekturmotiv und die jeweilige Wertzahl zu sehen.

2 - Sicherheitsfaden
Im Gegenlicht wird eine dunkle Linie sichtbar.

3 - Foil Patch
On the front side of the high-value banknotes (50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€) you will find the hologram foil patch. Move the banknote and look for a brightly coloured value numeral and the image of the architectural motif.

4 - Colour-shifting ink
50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€ banknotes have a colour-shifting ink feature. The value numeral looks purple when viewed straight on, but olive green or even brown when viewed at an angle.

European Central Bank