The euro is the national currency for about 340 million people in 19 European countries and there are approximately thirteen billion physical notes in circulation. It's no surprise that counterfeiting is a persistent problem with the Euro. Most counterfeit Euros can be detected if you are familiar with the basic features of each denomination and know how to check the advanced security features contained in each Euro sheet.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Observing General Details
Step 1. Identify the appropriate shades and colors
First and foremost, note that Euro banknotes are only printed in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500. Therefore, refuse immediately if you receive a €15 denomination. Each genuine Euro denomination also has a standard palette of colors and image patterns.
- The euro has a special feature of architectural drawings from several different periods in European history. The front of each Euro banknote shows a window, door, or gate motif; the back shows a picture of the bridge (along with a map of Europe).
- The five euro denomination features architecture from classical times and is dominated by gray.
- The ten euro denomination features roman architecture and is dominated by the color red.
- The twenty euro denomination features gothic architecture and is dominated by blue.
- The fifty euro denomination features renaissance architecture and is dominated by orange.
- The hundred euro denomination features baroque/rococo architecture and is dominated by green.
- The two-hundred euro denomination features iron and glass architecture, and is dominated by brownish yellow.
- The five hundred euro denomination features modern architecture and is dominated by purple.
Step 2. Measure the euro bill
Unlike the currency of the United States, for example, the Euro denomination consists of different sizes. This can actually prevent counterfeiting of money, but it is carried out primarily for the benefit of the visually impaired.
- €5 = 120 x 62 mm
- €10 = 127 x 67 mm
- €20 = 133 x 72 mm
- €50 = 140 x 77 mm
- €100 = 147 x 82 mm
- €200 = 153 x 82 mm
- €500 = 160 x 82 mm
Step 3. Feel the special paper on the money
The Euros are made of 100% cotton fibre, which increases durability and makes them feel different. Real Euro notes will feel strong and hard, and the print will feel embossed on the thicker ink.
- Counterfeit euro notes tend to feel limp and waxy to the touch, and the texture of the print is not embossed.
- The older and more obsolete, the characteristics of the money will be more difficult to distinguish. However, Euro money experts can easily identify the difference.
Step 4. Beware of the Europa series
The European Central Bank has launched a series of new Euro banknotes in stages in recent years. This new series is known as the Europa series because some of the major improvements to the safety feature involve the creation of the figure of Europa from Greek mythology.
- The euro sheet has a watermark in the form of a picture of Europa (female character), which will be visible when the money is pointed at the light.
- This money series also has a holographic image of Europa in silver safety thread which will be visible when the money is tilted.
Method 2 of 2: Checking Security Features
Step 1. Observe the money watermark
All Euro bills have a watermark in the form of an image that will be visible when the money is pointed at the light. The image is a fictional architectural drawing found on the euro banknote. The watermark image is located on the left side of the front of each Euro sheet.
- Watermarks on real Euros are made from variations of the thickness of the actual banknote. The watermark image is clearly visible when pointed at the light, and there is a smooth transition between the light and dark elements of the image.
- Watermarks on fake Euros are usually printed on banknotes. The watermark image on fake Euros is generally not clear and the light-dark transition will look sharp when pointed at the light.
Step 2. Touch the hologram on the euro
All Euro notes feature a holographic image. Depending on the denomination, the holographic image will appear in a vertical line or a square shape on the right side of the front of the note. Changes in the image will appear if the position of the money is tilted so that it is at eye level.
- The hologram on the real Euro will change clearly when it is tilted. The original hologram image varies by series and denomination (for example, the latest Europa series uses its own image of the Europa figure)
- Counterfeit euros do not have a hologram like real money, i.e. the image will remain static when the money is tilted.
Step 3. Examine the thread of security on the money
All Euro denominations have a security thread that appears as a vertical line down the center left side of the bill. The thread of security is not printed on the money, but embedded in it.
- The safety thread on the original Euro always looks like a very dark line when pointed at the light. The security thread also features the appropriate denomination and the word “EURO” (or the “€” symbol in the newer series) in a very small but clearly visible size.
- The security thread on fake Euros is usually just printed as a blackish gray line. Security threads do not appear very dark when exposed to light and usually have microprints that appear blurred or absent at all.
Step 4. Check for discoloration
In addition to the hologram, Euro also uses an element that changes color when it is tilted. Observe the value of the numbers on the right back of the bill. However, keep in mind that only denominations of 50 Euros and above use the technology.
- The number denomination on the back of the original Euro will change color from purple to green or brown (depending on the denomination) when it is tilted.
- Counterfeit euros generally don't have this effect, meaning the denomination remains purple when the money is tilted.
Step 5. Pay attention to the microprints on the money
Microprints that are not legible to the naked eye but will be clearly visible when using a magnifying tool require state-of-the-art printing techniques beyond the capabilities of most counterfeiters. All Euro notes are microprinted. Depending on the denomination and series, the microprint will appear as the word “EURO” or a star sticker, for example.
- A microprint on a real Euro will appear as a thin line to the naked eye. However, a clear print will be seen with the help of a magnifying glass. Successive repetitions of the money denomination numbers are generally found in microprints.
- Microprinting on fake Euros usually looks blurry under magnification or doesn't show up at all. Therefore, a good quality magnifying glass is a useful tool when you need to rule out counterfeit money.
Step 6. Find the characteristics of ultraviolet or infrared light
Pointing the Euro at a standard light source can reveal many of the safety features of the money lock. However, the use of ultraviolet (UV) light or infrared technology will reveal other special features.
- Real euro bills do not emit “glow” under UV light. However, the fiber embedded in the money will emit a specific coloration that varies with each denomination. The latest minted notes emit three colors under UV light.
- Under infrared light, only the far right side of the print on the face of the original Euro note, including a small portion of the architectural drawing and hologram, will remain visible.
- Under UV light, counterfeit euro notes usually glow brightly and reveal a fake watermark and security thread as a dark line.
- The writing and graphics on counterfeit euro bills are usually visible or not fully visible under infrared light.
