New 10 euro banknote goes into circulation on September 23
A new 10 euro banknote that the European Central Bank (ECB) says will have several enhanced security features as well as a “fresh look” goes into circulation on September 23 2014, the ECB said.
“It’s essential that everyone who uses euro banknotes can continue to do so with complete confidence. That’s why we’re introducing the Europa series,” said Yves Mersch, the ECB’s Executive Board member responsible for banknotes.
Like the new five euro note, the new 10 euro has several enhanced security features as well as a fresh look, the ECB said.
The note’s hologram and watermark include a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology.
It also has an “emerald number”. When tilted, the shiny number displays an effect of the light that moves up and down, and also changes colour from emerald green to deep blue. With these features and others, the new 10 euro banknote is very easy to check using the “feel, look and tilt” method, according to the ECB.
To facilitate the introduction of the new banknote and to ensure it is as widely recognised as possible, the Eurosystem has taken many measures to further support the producers and owners of banknote handling machines and authentication devices.
The ECB said that it had received confirmation from the national central banks of the euro area that “they have done everything that could be reasonably expected within their capacity” to facilitate the adaptation of banknote handling machines and authentication devices in their countries for the new note.
“To make the launch of the new 10 euro go as smoothly as possible, I urge all those owning banknote equipment to make sure that it can handle the new banknotes,” Mersch said.
The 10 euro banknotes of the first series will continue to be issued in order to use up stocks. They will circulate alongside the Europa series 10 euro before being phased out later on and eventually ceasing to be legal tender. This change in their status will be announced well in advance, the ECB said.
(Photo: ECB via flickr.com)
