Biannual information on the withdrawal from circulation of counterfeit euro banknotes in Portugal – 2nd half of 2017
In the second half of 2017, 9,760 counterfeit banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in Portugal, i.e. 1,679 banknotes more than in the first half of the year.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Number of counterfeit banknotes withdrawn from circulation in Portugal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 2017 | 2nd half of 2017 | |
|---|---|---|
Eur 5 | 52 | 37 |
Eur 10 | 379 | 124 |
Eur 20 | 5 013 | 5 223 |
Eur 50 | 2 111 | 2 092 |
Eur 100 | 366 | 269 |
Eur 200 | 37 | 39 |
Eur 500 | 123 | 1 976 |
Total | 8 081 | 9 760 |
Source: Counterfeit Monitoring System as at 15 January 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.
The increase in seized EUR 500 banknotes resulted from a withdrawal of 1,962 banknotes. These were poor-quality banknotes, clearly distinct from genuine banknotes, featuring the word ‘specimen’.
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.
