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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.