Biannual information on the removal from circulation of counterfeit euro banknotes in Portugal – 1st half of 2017
In the first half of 2017, 7,148 counterfeit banknotes were removed from circulation in Portugal, i.e. 3,588 banknotes more than in the second half of 2016. The number of counterfeit banknotes seized remains residual compared with total banknotes in circulation.
| 2nd half of 2016 | 1st half of 2017 |
EUR 5 | 45 | 44 |
EUR 10 | 195 | 359 |
EUR 20 | 1825 | 4426 |
EUR 50 | 1268 | 1834 |
EUR 100 | 169 | 330 |
EUR 200 | 24 | 35 |
EUR 500 | 34 | 120 |
Total | 3560 | 7128 |
Source: Counterfeit Monitoring System as at 10 July 2017.
The seized counterfeit banknotes were of regular quality and could be easily recognised, simply by carrying out the ‘feel-look-tilt’ test, with no need for extra verification aids.
On their websites, Banco de Portugal and the European Central Bank provide information on euro banknote characteristics and security features, and authenticity checking techniques.
