Biannual information on euro banknote counterfeiting in Portugal – 1st half of 2011
In the first half of 2011 a total of 7,928 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in Portugal. This is a decrease of 21% compared with the previous six months and represents 2.6% of total counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn from circulation in the Eurosystem during the same period.
Number of counterfeit banknotes withdrawn from circulation in Portugal
| 2nd half of 2010 | 1st half of 2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Eur 5 | 89 | 83 |
| Eur 10 | 685 | 324 |
| Eur 20 | 3.124 | 1.931 |
| Eur 50 | 5.559 | 5.124 |
| Eur 100 | 575 | 422 |
| Eur 200 | 90 | 33 |
| Eur 500 | 28 | 11 |
| Total | 10.150 | 7.928 |
Source: Counterfeit Monitoring System, 5 July 2011.
Counterfeits in circulation found in the 1st half of 2011 are of regular quality and can be easily recognised through the simple “FEEL-LOOK-TILT” test used to check the security features of euro banknotes, with no need of extra verification aids.
The websites of Banco de Portugal and of the European Central Bank provide information and other training and educational materials about the security features of euro banknotes and about the authenticity checking techniques. Banco de Portugal issues on a regular basis the Boletim de Notas e Moedas (Bulletin on banknotes and coins), containing detailed information about the checking techniques and other cash-related issues.
Lisbon, 18 July 2011
