Banknotes
There are two series of banknotes. The first series comprises seven different denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. The second series or Europa series consists of six denominations and will be completed with the issuance of the €100 and €200 in 2019. There will be no €500 banknote. The first series of notes, originally issued in 2002, is gradually being replaced by the Europa series. All the notes are legal tender throughout the euro area.
- 17 September 2018
- Unveiling of the new €100 and €200 banknotes
- 4 April 2017
Introduction of the new €50
- 5 July 2016
Unveiling of the Europa series €50 banknote
- 25 November 2015
- Introduction of the new €20
- 24 February 2015
- Unveiling of the Europa series €20 banknote
- 1 January 2015
- Adoption of the euro by Lithuania
- 23 September 2014
- Introduction of the new €10
- 13 January 2014
- Unveiling of the Europa series €10 banknote
- 1 January 2014
- Adoption of the euro by Latvia
- 2 May 2013
- Introduction of the new €5
- 10 January 2013
- Unveiling of the Europa series €5 banknote
- 8 November 2012
- ECB announces introduction of a second series of euro banknotes, named the Europa series
- 1 January 2011
- Adoption of the euro by Estonia
- 1 January 2009
- Adoption of the euro by Slovakia
- 1 January 2008
- Adoption of the euro by Cyprus and Malta
- 1 January 2007
- Adoption of the euro by Slovenia
- 1 January 2002
- Introduction of euro banknotes and coins in 12 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain
As of 27 January 2019, 17 of the 19 national central banks in the euro area will no longer issue €500 banknotes. In order to ensure a smooth transition and for logistical reasons, the Deutsche Bundesbank and the Oesterreichische Nationalbank will continue issuing the notes until 26 April 2019 (inclusive).
Existing €500 banknotes will continue to be legal tender, so you can still use them as a means of payment and store of value (i.e. spend and save them). Similarly, banks, bureaux de change and other commercial parties can keep recirculating the existing €500 notes.
Like all denominations of euro banknotes, the €500 note will always retain its value and can be exchanged at a national central bank of the euro area at any time.