Banknotes and coins

Special measures for the exchange of cash damaged by the flash floods in Valencia

It is necessary to make an appointmentOpens in new window to carry out any procedure related to euro banknotes and coins. For any further information about the rest of procedures related to euro banknotes and coins, please visit our Virtual OfficeOpens in new window.

Cash plays an important role in the proper functioning of the economy. Euro banknotes and coins are the only legal tender in the euro area and the only form of public money to which everyone has access. As such, cash is key for the social inclusion of the most vulnerable groups who have limited access to new technologies. Cash also provides us with a means of payment if electronic payment systems are unavailable, so it is good to have cash available if necessary.

This section offers further information about euro coins and notes, as well as historical data and information about the peseta.

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Euro banknotes

There are seven denominations of legal tender banknotes in the euro area: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.

These banknotes are identical for all countries that have adopted the euro as their single currency. Find out about them!

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Euro coins

There are eight denominations of euro coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros.

All euro coins have a common side and a national side, the latter of which is specific to each member State.

There are also commemorative and collector coins, do you want to know what they are?

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Anti-counterfeiting

The fight against counterfeiting in Spain is based on three fundamental pillars that work together. Learn about its tools, and the various bodies that combat counterfeiting.

Do you know what the Banco de España Investigation Brigade (BIBE) is? Have you heard of the National Banknote Analysis Centre (CNA)? What about the National Currency Analysis Centre (CNAM)? Find out about their functions and their areas of work.

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The role of cash

Cash is the main means of payment in the euro area, as the vast majority of our daily payments are made using banknotes or coins.

It is also accessible to all and allows payments to be made to those who do not have bank accounts or have limited access to other means of payment, making it key to social inclusion.

Learn why cash is so important and what it does.

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The Eurosystem cash strategy

Cash is the main means of payment in the euro area, as most of our day-to-day payments are with banknotes and coins

Cash is, moreover, within everyone’s reach and allows payments to be made to those without bank accounts or with limited access to other means of payment. It is key to the social inclusion.

Get to know why cash and its purpose are so important.

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The Eurosystem cash strategy shortcuts

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Environmental sustainability

Since their launch, euro banknotes have been an environmentally conscious product, using cotton fibres produced exclusively from waste by-products of the textile industry.

The different central banks continue to search for alternatives that make cash an environmentally friendly product at the forefront of sustainability.

In this section you can find out about the environmental requirements for euro banknotes, as well as new sustainable approaches to their production.

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Studies and publications on cash

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Studies and publications on cash shortcuts

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Historia de los billetes y las monedas en pesetas

Training programme on banknotes and coins and information material

Legislation on general regime of the euro

Estudio sobre hábitos en el uso del efectivo 2024

Study on the payment attitudes of consumers in the euro area

El euro: 20 años en nuestros bolsillos

Cash department