Biannual information on the withdrawal from circulation of counterfeit euro banknotes in Portugal – 2nd half of 2018
In the second half of 2018, 6,757 counterfeit banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in Portugal, 4,533 banknotes fewer than in the first half of the year. The number of counterfeit banknotes seized remains residual compared with total banknotes in circulation.
Number of counterfeit banknotes withdrawn from circulation in Portugal
1st half of 2018 | 2nd half of 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
EUR 5 | 67 | 49 |
EUR 10 | 164 | 146 |
EUR 20 | 7,622 | 2,462 |
EUR 50 | 2,657 | 3,779 |
EUR 100 | 726 | 225 |
EUR 200 | 27 | 21 |
EUR 500 | 27 | 75 |
Total | 11,290 | 6,757 |
Source: “Counterfeit Monitoring System” as at 14 January 2019.
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 the knowledge of euro banknotes for different target groups.
On 28 May 2019, new €100 and €200 banknotes will be put into circulation, completing the Europa series. These banknotes will have new security features: a satellite hologram and an improved emerald number. You can learn more about them from the factsheet published by the European Central Bank.
Banco de Portugal would like to reiterate that €100 and €200 banknotes from the first series will continue to circulate and do not have to be exchanged. No person/entity is authorised to withdraw banknotes on behalf of Banco de Portugal or any banking institution.
