5 euro security features

5 Euro Security Features

Source: The European Central Bank

 

 paper

 Paper
The banknote paper consists of pure cotton, which feels crisp and firm (not limp or waxy).

 

 

 raised_print Raised Print
Special printing makes the ink feel raised or thicker in the main image, the lettering and the value numerals on the front of the banknotes. To feel the raised print, run your finger over it or scratch it gently with your fingernail.Additional tactile marks for the visually impaired are included on the bottom edge of the €200 banknote and on the right-hand edge of the €500.

 

 

 watermark5 Watermark
The watermark is produced by varying the thickness of the paper. It appears when you hold the banknote against the light. If you put the banknote on a dark surface the light areas become darker. This effect is very easy to see in the value watermark.

 

 

 sf5

See-through number
Marks printed in the top corner of the banknote, on both sides, combine perfectly to form the value numeral. You can see the complete number when holding the banknote against the light.

 

 

 security_thread

 Security thread
The security thread is embedded in the banknote paper. Hold the banknote against the light – the thread will appear as a dark stripe. The word “EURO” and the value can be seen in tiny letters on the stripe.

 

 

 perforations

Perforations
Hold the banknote against the light. In the hologram you will see perforations which form the € symbol. You can also see small numbers showing the value.

 

 

 hologram_stripehologram_stripe Hologram stripe
Tilt the banknote – the hologram image will change between the value and the € symbol on a rainbow-coloured background. At the edges, tiny letters show the value.
Genuine            Counterfeit

 

 

 glossy_stripeglossy_stripe Glossy stripe
Tilt the banknote – a gold-coloured stripe will appear on the back. It shows the value and the € symbol.
Genuine            Counterfeit

 

 microprinting (1)

 Microprinting
On some areas of the banknote you can see tiny writing, e.g. inside the “EYPΩ” (EURO in Greek characters) on the front. You will need a magnifying glass to see it. The microprinting is sharp (not blurred).

 

 

 uvlight_front 5

uvlight_back 5

 Under UV light
    • the paper itself does not glow.
    • fibres embedded in the paper appear, coloured red, blue and green.
    • the flag of the European Union looks green and has orange stars.
    • the signature of the ECB President turns green.
    • the large stars and small circles on the front glow. The map, bridge and value numeral on the back appear in yellow.