The picture featured prominently on Euro banknotes, particularly the second series (known as the Europa series), is that of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology. Her portrait is an integral security feature and can be seen in both the watermark and the hologram of these newer banknotes.
The Europa Series: A Mythological Muse
The Europa series of euro banknotes, introduced gradually since 2013, draws its name and central human imagery from Greek mythology. Unlike the first series, which featured only architectural styles, the Europa series prominently displays a portrait of Europa.
This depiction of Europa is not a stylized representation but a recognizable image adapted from an ancient vase in the Louvre Museum in Paris. The choice of Europa as the central figure serves multiple purposes:
- Symbolic Unity: As a figure from Greek mythology, Europa represents a shared cultural heritage across the European continent. Her story is deeply embedded in European folklore, making her an appropriate symbol for the unified currency.
- Neutrality: By choosing a mythological figure rather than a real historical or political personality, the European Central Bank (ECB) avoids favoring any specific country or individual, thereby maintaining neutrality among the Eurozone member states.
- Enhanced Security: Europa's portrait is subtly integrated into several advanced security features, making the banknotes harder to counterfeit.
Where to Find Europa's Portrait
When examining a Euro banknote from the Europa series, you can easily spot her image by:
- Holding the banknote against the light: Her portrait appears as a watermark on the left side, alongside the value numeral.
- Tilting the banknote: Her portrait also appears in the hologram strip (on lower denominations) or the hologram patch (on higher denominations), which changes color and reveals other design elements.
These features are essential for authenticating banknotes and are designed to be easily recognizable by the public.
Beyond Europa: Architectural Styles and Symbolic Bridges
While Europa is the human face of the newer euro banknotes, the overall design continues to feature architectural styles that have been present since the first series. These designs depict:
- Windows and Doorways on the front of the banknotes, symbolizing the spirit of openness and cooperation within Europe.
- Bridges on the back, representing communication and connection between the people of Europe and between Europe and the rest of the world.
These architectural depictions are generic examples from different periods and styles across European history, ensuring no specific existing monuments are featured, further maintaining neutrality.
Evolution of Euro Banknote Design
| Series Name | Introduction Period | Main Visual Theme | Prominent Human Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Series | 2002 | Generic Architectural Styles (Windows, Doorways, Bridges) | None |
| Europa Series | 2013 onwards | Generic Architectural Styles + Europa portrait | Europa (Greek Mythology) |
The transition from the first series to the Europa series was a significant upgrade, primarily to incorporate more advanced security features and maintain public trust in the currency.
Security Features Integrating Europa's Image
The portrait of Europa is a key element in several anti-counterfeiting measures on the new banknotes. Understanding these features helps in distinguishing genuine notes from fakes.
- Portrait Watermark: As mentioned, holding the banknote to the light reveals a faint image of Europa.
- Portrait Hologram: Tilting the note shows Europa's portrait in a metallic silver stripe or patch that shimmers and changes appearance.
- Emerald Number: On lower denominations (5, 10, 20 euro), a glossy number in the bottom left corner shifts from emerald green to deep blue when tilted, and a light effect moves up and down. While not featuring Europa directly, it's a key security feature of the Europa series.
- Satellite Hologram: On the €100 and €200 notes, small € symbols move around Europa's portrait in the silver stripe.
For more detailed information on Euro banknote security features, you can visit the official European Central Bank website.
In conclusion, the Euro banknotes prominently feature the mythological figure of Europa, symbolizing Europe's shared cultural heritage and commitment to unity, while also serving as a critical security element.
