In connection with the upcoming accession of Bulgaria to the eurozone, many people - especially the elderly - are experiencing uncertainty and anxiety related to the use of the new currency. One of the main fears is related to the possibility of being deceived by counterfeit banknotes or coins.
First of all, it is important to note that although the euro is a single currency, each member state of the eurozone has the right to print its own banknotes and mint its own coins with specific elements. It is important to know that regardless of the country in which it was issued, every banknote and every coin meets the same security standards and is accepted in all 20 countries of the eurozone.
How to recognize genuine euro banknotes
The European Central Bank (ECB) uses a multi-layered system for protecting euro banknotes, which includes visual, tactile (tangible) and machine-recognizable elements.
Checking using the "Touch – Look – Tilt" method!
The advice is from "Focus".
1. Touch:
– Banknotes are printed on special cotton paper, which is stronger and feels different from regular paper.
– On the front side, there are embossed parts – on the numbers, the inscription "EURO“ and the portrait. This is achieved by a specific embossed print.
2. Take a look:
– The watermark (in the empty field on the left) shows the portrait of Europa (a figure from mythology), the denomination and an architectural element.
– The luminous sign with the denomination and the security thread (a thin, dark line) are visible when you hold the banknote against the light.
3. Slopes:
– The 5, 10 and 20 euro banknotes have a hologram strip with changing images.
– In the higher denominations (50, 100, 200, 500 euros) has a hologram plate with a changing image.
– The number in the lower right corner changes color from green to blue when moving – typical of the "Europa" series.
Does it matter where the banknote was printed? The answer is NO.
Each banknote has a letter in the serial number, which indicates the country in which it was printed.
Examples:
"X“ – Germany
"Y“ – Greece
"Z“ – Belgium
"U“ – France
"S“ – Italy
This does NOT affect the validity – all euro banknotes, regardless of the code, are equally legal tender throughout the European Union.
What to do if you suspect a counterfeit?
– Do not accept or use a suspicious banknote – this may be considered a crime.
– Compare with a safe banknote of the same denomination.
– Visit a bank – any commercial bank or the Bulgarian National Bank will be able to carry out a check.
– Contact the Ministry of Interior if you suspect malicious distribution of counterfeit banknotes.
How to recognize genuine euro coins
– Euro coins are minted with a common (European) obverse and a national reverse (reverse) side.
– The common side shows a map of Europe and the denomination – is the same for all countries.
– The national side contains symbols, coats of arms or portraits specific to the particular country. Bulgarian euro coins will have Cyrillic script and national symbols (expectedly – The Madara Horseman, St. Ivan Rilski, etc.).
– Although they look different from the back, all euro coins are valid in all eurozone countries, regardless of where they were minted.
Security features of euro coins:
– Some coins have a fluted edge (relief edge).
– The metal composition is characteristic and difficult to imitate.
– The 1 and 2 euro coins have a bimetallic design, which makes it difficult counterfeiting.
We advise you not to be afraid of design differences - they are normal. Not all counterfeits look obviously fake, but most fail the three basic tests: touch, look, tilt. The euro is one of the most secure currencies in the world, thanks to its high-tech protection.