The new 50 euro banknote, the fourth denomination in the "Europa" series after the 5, 10 and 20, will start circulating on 4 April 2017.
The most widespread and most counterfeit banknote in Europe changes its look and becomes more robust and safer. It will be part of the series called "Europa" because it includes two security features bearing the portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology after whom our continent takes its name. Holding it against the light, the head of the Phoenician princess abducted by Zeus, the founding myth of the old continent, will appear on both sides.
The euro banknotes of the first series will continue to be issued together with the new ones until stocks last. They will be gradually withdrawn thereafter.
Based on data communicated by the European Central Bank as well 8 billion euro banknotes, or about 45% of the total currently in circulation, belong to this denomination. The new orange card is darker than the previous one and has more detail.
The task of renewing the graphic design of the euro banknotes was entrusted following a selection to Reinhold Gerstetter, an independent sketcher who works in Berlin.
The new 50 euro denomination will also contain elements almost irreproducible by counterfeiters and verifiable by applying the "Touch, look, move" method. In fact, to the touch, you will immediately notice the particular consistency of the banknote; the relief of the printed images and, new to the series, a series of dashes in relief along the right and left margins. The watermark will count for sight: only in the original banknotes, seen against the light, can you see a shaded design that shows the amount of the value and the main image. Not to forget the hologram, in which a window with a portrait of Europa is integrated.
Finally, by moving the banknote it will be possible to verify, in addition to the presence of the hologram, the change of the number 50 in the lower left which, when changed from an angle, will go from emerald green to dark blue.
