The 200 euro bill is a widely recognized and accepted currency in the European Union. It's a large denomination note, but still smaller than many credit cards.
The design of the 200 euro bill features a portrait of Enrico Mattei, an Italian oil industry executive, on the obverse (front side). This is a unique aspect of the note, as most euro banknotes feature famous historical figures.
The reverse (back side) of the 200 euro bill features a depiction of a windmill, a nod to the country's industrial heritage.
Design and Features
The 200 euro bill has a distinct design that reflects the European spirit of openness and cooperation. The note measures 153 millimetres × 82 millimetres and has a yellow-brown color scheme.
The design features iron and glass bridges and arches/doorways, symbolizing the European spirit of openness and cooperation. The architectural style is from the 19th century in Europe's history.
The 200 euro bill contains several security features, including a map of Europe, a depiction of EU territories overseas, and the stars from the EU flag.
Obverse
The obverse of the €200 banknote features windows and doorways that symbolize the European spirit of openness and cooperation.
These architectural elements are a representation of the iron-and-glass style from the 19th century in Europe's history, but they don't depict any actual existing monuments or bridges.
The lettering on the front of the banknote includes the initials of the European Central Bank in various European languages, such as BCE, ECB, EZB, and EKT.
The year 2002 is also visible on the front of the banknote, which is notable since the new €200 banknote started circulating in 2019.
The obverse of the banknote was designed by Robert Kalina, an engraver who is credited with creating the Europa Series design.
Tilt the Banknote
As you tilt the banknote, the euro symbols at the top of the silvery stripe start moving around the number. This effect becomes even more pronounced under direct light.
The emerald number in the bottom left corner is quite impressive, displaying a light effect that moves up and down.
Security
The 200 euro bill is equipped with a range of advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting. These features are designed to be easily identifiable and can be checked by anyone.
One of the most impressive features is the colour-changing ink used on the numeral located on the back of the note, which appears to change from purple to brown when tilted. This is just one of the many clever tricks the banknote designers have incorporated to keep counterfeiters at bay.
The 200 euro bill also features a see-through number printed at the top corner of the note, which appears to combine perfectly to form the value numeral when held against the light. This is a great example of how the banknote's design is both functional and secure.
Under UV light, the paper itself does not glow, but small fibers embedded in the paper appear, showing three different colors. On the front, the stars of the European flag, the small circles, and some of the large stars glow yellow. This is a great way to verify the authenticity of the banknote.
The 200 euro bill also features a hologram that changes between the value and a window or doorway, with rainbow-colored concentric circles of micro-letters appearing in the background. This is a highly advanced feature that is difficult to replicate.
Here are some of the key security features of the 200 euro bill:
- Colour-changing ink
- See-through number
- Hologram
- EURion constellation
- Watermarks
- Raised printing
- Ultraviolet ink
- Microprinting
- Security thread
- Perforations in the hologram
- Barcodes
- Serial number
The Europa series also features a "Satellite Hologram" that shows two small € symbols circling the denomination number when the banknote is tilted. This is an additional layer of security that is not found in the previous series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 200 euro note still valid?
Yes, the €200 euro note is still a valid denomination of euro banknotes and is accepted as legal tender throughout the euro area.
Is a 200 euro bill rare?
A €200 bill is relatively rare, making up only 2.9% of all euro banknotes in circulation. This denomination is one of the least widely circulated, but still widely accepted.
How to tell if a 200 euro note is real?
To verify the authenticity of a 200 euro note, look for the microlettering and the watermark, which can be seen under magnification and when held against the light, respectively. The watermark will display the numeral 200 in a brighter tone than the surrounding paper.
How to spot fake 200 €?
To spot a genuine 200 € bill, look for advanced security features such as hologram patches, raised printing, and microlettering. If you're unsure, use auxiliary tools like infrared or ultraviolet light to verify the bill's authenticity.
Sources
- https://www.bde.es/wbe/en/areas-actuacion/billetes-monedas/monedas-euros/preguntas-frecuentes-sobre-billetes-y-monedas-en-euros.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/200_euro_note
- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/note208216.html
- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/note206859.html
- https://currencyguide.eu/eur-en/200eur-new-en.html
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