Biannual information on the withdrawal from circulation of counterfeit euro banknotes in Portugal – 1st half of 2018
In the first half of 2018, 11,290 counterfeit banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in Portugal, i.e. 1,519 banknotes more than in the second half of 2017. The number of counterfeit banknotes seized remains residual compared with total banknotes in circulation.
Number of counterfeit banknotes withdrawn from circulation in Portugal
2nd half of 2017 | 1st half of 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
Eur 5 | 37 | 67 |
Eur 10 | 124 | 164 |
Eur 20 | 5 231 | 7 622 |
Eur 50 | 2 095 | 2 657 |
Eur 100 | 269 | 726 |
Eur 200 | 39 | 27 |
Eur 500 | 1 976 | 27 |
Total | 9 771 | 11 290 |
Source: Counterfeit Monitoring System as at 16 July 2018.
The seized counterfeit banknotes were of regular quality and could be recognised by using the ‘feel, look and tilt’ method to check their security features ('FEEL, LOOK and TILT' method), with no need for extra verification aids.
Banco de Portugal and the European Central Bank provide information on euro banknote characteristics and security features, as well as authenticity checking techniques. Through its regional network, Banco de Portugal provides training on euro banknotes for different target groups.
The new €100 and €200 banknotes are to be introduced in the second half of 2019, at a date to be announced, thus completing the second series of euro banknotes – the Europa series.
