What Are the Denominations of the Euro in Paper and Coins?

The euro is a form of currency used by most of the countries in the European Union.

The euro is a form of currency used by most of the countries in the European Union since 2002. Like all currencies, the euro is used to purchase and sell items in commerce. As a recognized legal tender, the euro is accepted by stores throughout Europe. Travelers not familiar with the euro should probably familiarize themselves with the different euro bill and coins to avoid confusion.

European Union

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 countries predominantly located in Europe. Europe is a large continent; however, the countries of Europe are small and inter-continental travel is common. So the countries of the Europe Union, EU, banded together and created a currency accepted throughout Europe as a way to standardize commerce. Over a span of three years from 1999 to 2002, 11 countries of the EU phased out the Deutschmark and the French franc and replaced them with the euro.

Euro Denominations

The euro banknotes, also called euro bills, are available in five, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro denominations. Euro coins, also called euro cents, are available in one, two, five, 10, 20 and 50 euro cents. One and two euro banknotes are also available in coins.

Euro Currency

The euro is the main currency of the countries of the European Union. In 2002, 11 countries used the euro as its main currency. As of March 2011, 17 countries within the EU use the euro as their sole currency; these countries are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. The remaining countries, such as the United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark, have exceptions that allow them to use their own currency.

Euro Design

The euro is designed with numerous historic bridges, arches and gateways located throughout Europe. Euro banknotes also come with special features to aid people who are visually impaired or blind. For instance, lower denominations, such as five, 10 and 20, have smooth bands along one side of the bill. Higher denominations, such as 50, 100, 200 and 500, have smooth square patches with a holographic decal.

References

• European Commission: Economic and Financial Affairs; The Euro; January 2011
• Fun Trivia: What Denominations Do the Euro Coins and Paper Money Come In?
• Money of the World: Coins
• Money of the World: Banknotes
• Thinkquest: Money Around the World
• European Central Bank: Monthly bulletin: 10th Anniversary of the ECB