Design and Security Features of the Euro

The largest monetary changeover in Europe’s history occurred on January 1, 2002, when 12 European Union (EU) countries converted their national currencies to a common monetary policy. With this conversion, sophisticated design and security features were implemented, together with counterfeit tracking. Although counterfeits rose remarkably within the first few years, they are now considered stable. Since 2002, 13 out of the 27 EU countries have withdrawn their own notes and coinage from circulation and replaced them with the euro. The changes were not without controversy. However, the result is a more unified Europe and better integration in world financial markets. This paper will describe the latest security features such as foil, printing, watermarks, and holograms found in the new currency. Familiarity with the design and security features of the euro will assist the document examiner in the examination of counterfeit currency or in providing basic information for investigative purposes.