Banknotes and coins

Security measures

Euro coins are produced according to highly advanced technical specifications which make them extraordinarily difficult to counterfeit and to facilitate the detection of any counterfeits.

They incorporate electromagnetic and automated reading characteristics which guarantee maximum security, as well as ensuring that they can be used in vending machines throughout the euro zone, regardless of the issuing member state.

Security characteristics of euro coins

Coin	Characteristics
	Diameter ( mm ): 25,75 Thickness ( mm ): 2,20 Weight ( g ): 8,50 Shape: round Colour: white outside, yellow inside Composition: outside, copper-nickel; inside, three layers: nickel-brass, nickel, brass-nickel Edge: fine milled with edge lettering and a different legend for each country
	Diameter ( mm ): 23,25 Thickness ( mm ): 2,33 Weight ( g ): 7,50 Shape: round Colour: outside yellow, inside white Composition: outside nickel-brass; inside, three layers: copper-nickel, nickel and nickel-copper Edge: interrupted milling
	Diameter ( mm ): 24,25 Thickness ( mm ): 2,38 Weight ( g ): 7,80 Shape: round Colour: yellow Composition: Nordic gold Edge: shaped edge with fine scallops
	Diameter ( mm ): 22,25 Thickness ( mm ): 2,14 Weight ( g ): 5,74 Shape: Spanish flower shape Colour: yellow Composition: Nordic gold Edge: smooth
	Diameter ( mm ): 19,75 Thickness ( mm ): 1,93 Weight ( g ): 4,10 Shape: round Colour: yellow Composition: Nordic gold Edge: shaped edge with fine scallops
	Diameter ( mm ): 21,25 Thickness ( mm ): 1,67 Weight ( g ): 3,92 Shape: round Colour: red Composition: copper-covered steel Edge: smooth
	Diameter ( mm ): 18,75 Thickness ( mm ): 1,67 Weight ( g ): 3,06 Shape: round Colour: red Composition: copper-covered steel Edge: smooth with a groove
	Diameter ( mm ): 16,25 Thickness ( mm ): 1,67 Weight ( g ): 2,30 Shape: round Colour: red Composition: copper-covered steel Edge: smooth