Euro Security: Why Is It So Hard to Counterfeit?

Learn why the euro is among the safest currencies in the world. Find out which security features prevent counterfeiting and what people working with money need to know.

Approximate reading time: 2m 24s

THE EURO: The Safest Currency in Europe?

The euro is not just a common currency – it is also a technological masterpiece in terms of anti-counterfeiting protection. Since its introduction, the European Central Bank (ECB) has invested millions of euros in developing security features that make counterfeiting difficult even for the most advanced counterfeiters.

According to the latest data, out of more than 29 billion banknotes in circulation, only about 0.002% are counterfeit. (Source: ECB, 2023)

The course "Working with euro banknotes and coins" is designed for merchants, cashiers, business owners, and employees who work with cash banknotes and coins.

What are the main security features of the euro?

1. 100% cotton paper

It is more durable, has a specific texture and sound when crumpled – different from ordinary paper. This is the first tactile test.

2. Raised print (intaglio)

The numbers, inscriptions, and some images are printed with raised ink, which can be clearly felt by touch.

3. Watermark

Visible when held against the light – includes a portrait and denomination. It is embedded in the paper itself, not printed on it.

4. Security thread

A thin, dark line embedded in the paper, with microtext (e.g., “EURO” and the denomination), visible when held against the light.

5. Portrait window (in the „Europa“ series)

A transparent area in the upper part of the banknote, showing a portrait that is visible from both sides.

6. Hologram

An image that changes when tilted – from denomination to an architectural motif or portrait.

7. Optically variable ink

On banknotes from €50 and above – the number changes color from purple to green/brown when tilted.

8. UV and infrared protection

Elements invisible to the eye that glow under UV light and are visible or disappear under an IR camera.

What makes the euro so hard to counterfeit?

Multi-layered protection

Counterfeiters can imitate some elements, but rarely all at once – especially under different lighting and by touch.

A combination of visible and hidden elements

Visual protection (e.g., watermark) is complemented by features that can only be checked with specialized equipment (UV, IR).

High-tech printing

Special printing machines, inks, and technologies are used that are not accessible to illegal groups.

Counterfeit data in Europe

In 2023, 467,000 counterfeit banknotes were withdrawn from circulation.
This is one of the lowest figures in the history of the euro.
Over 95% of counterfeits are detected in retail outlets and banks.
The most counterfeited denominations: €20 (38%) and €50 (47%).

ECB - Statistics on counterfeit banknotes

How a suspicious banknote was caught in a shopping center

In a large shopping center in Bratislava, a cashier received a €100 banknote that looked visually genuine. But when she tried to check it with a UV lamp, it did not glow. When touched, the characteristic raised print was missing. Security was called – it turned out to be a perfect counterfeit, made with a professional printer, but without real security threads and paper.

Thanks to the training in Working with euro banknotes and coins, the cashier reacted in time.

What should everyone working with money know?

Always check three things: touch, image against the light, tilting.
Use a UV lamp as an additional tool.
If in doubt – do not return the banknote. Call a manager or security.
Know that all euro banknotes are equally secure, regardless of the country that printed them.

The course „Working with euro banknotes and coins“ teaches you all of this

The course is designed for:

merchants, cashiers, service staff;
employees in transport, exchange offices, security;
anyone who wants to be prepared for the transition to the euro.

You will learn:

how to recognize security features;
how to use UV and IR checks;
how to react when in doubt;
how to avoid losses due to counterfeits.

Do your best to eliminate the risk of receiving counterfeit banknotes: Sign up here

Read more about the euro in our article 10 facts about the euro that every cashier and merchant should know

Често задавани въпроси

Why is the euro considered hard to counterfeit?

The euro combines several layers of protection that are difficult to copy at the same time. Counterfeiters may imitate individual features, but they rarely reproduce all visible and hidden elements, especially under touch, light, and tilt checks. The banknotes also use high-tech printing methods, special inks, and security features that are not accessible to illegal groups.

What are the main security features of euro banknotes?

Key euro security features include 100% cotton paper, raised print, a watermark, a security thread, and a hologram. The Europa series also includes a portrait window, and higher denominations use optically variable ink. Additional UV and infrared elements help confirm authenticity with specialized equipment.

How can I check if a euro banknote is genuine?

You should always check three things: the feel of the note, the image against the light, and how it looks when tilted. Raised print, the watermark, and the security thread are especially important. A UV lamp can be used as an additional check, but it should not replace the basic tests.

Which euro banknotes are counterfeited most often?

According to the page, the most counterfeited denominations are €20 and €50. In the reported statistics, €20 banknotes made up 38% of counterfeits and €50 banknotes 47%. Even so, counterfeit banknotes remain a very small share of all euro notes in circulation.

What should I do if I suspect a banknote is counterfeit?

If you are in doubt, do not return the banknote to the customer. Instead, call a manager or security and follow your workplace procedure. The page stresses that suspicious banknotes should be handled carefully and checked rather than put back into circulation.

Who is the course on working with euro banknotes and coins for?

The course is designed for merchants, cashiers, business owners, and employees who work with cash. It is also suitable for people in transport, exchange offices, and security, as well as anyone who wants to be prepared for the transition to the euro. The training teaches how to recognize security features and react to suspected counterfeits.