More counterfeit protection

The portrait window with the mythological figure of Europa.The 50-euro bill is the most frequently used; 45% of the euro banknotes in circulation are in this denomination. According to the European Central Bank, the new banknote issue has once again greatly improved counterfeit protection. The 50-euro bill of the second euro banknote series contains a new and innovative security feature, the portrait window. This was first seen on the 20-euro bill of the Europa series. When the banknote is viewed against the light, a portrait of the mythological figure Europewhich can be seen from both sides of the banknote. The same portrait also appears in the watermark. On the front of the bill is the shiny "emerald number". When the banknote is tilted, this changes its color from emerald green to deep blue. In addition, a light bar moves up and down on the number. Thanks to these security features, the authenticity of the new 50-euro banknotes can be easily verified according to the "feel-see-tilt" principle, as the central bank emphasizes.

Across Germany, around 2 billion bills will have to be gradually replaced from April 2017. Nevertheless, the Bundesbank and the Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Geld- und Wertdienste expect the introduction of the banknote to go smoothly. Following practical experience with the difficult introduction of the 5-euro banknote in 2013, the introduction of the 10- and 20-euro banknotes in recent years has been largely problem-free.

An overview of the safety features, among others, can be found at here.