20 euro note

Twenty euro
(European Union[1])
Value20 euro
Width133 mm
Height72 mm
Security featuresFirst series: hologram stripe with perforations, reflective glossy stripe, EURion constellation, watermarks, microprinting, ultraviolet ink, raised printing, security thread, matted surface, see-through number, barcodes and serial number[2]
Europa series: portrait watermark, portrait hologram, portrait window, emerald number[3]
Material used100% pure cotton fibre[4]
Years of printing1999–2014 (1st series)[5]
Since 2014 (Europa series)[5]
Obverse
DesignWindow in Gothic architecture[6]
DesignerRobert Kalina[7]
Design date24 February 2015[7]
Reverse
DesignBridge in Gothic architecture and map of Europe[6]
DesignerRobert Kalina[7]
Design date24 February 2015[7]

The twenty euro note (€20) is the third-lowest value euro banknote and has been used since the introduction of the euro (in its cash form) in 2002.[8] The note is used by the 25 countries and a population of 343 million as their sole currency, with 23 legally adopting it.[9] In July 2024, there were approximately 4,818,000,000 twenty euro banknotes in circulation around the eurozone. It is the second most widely circulated denomination, accounting for 16.3% of the total banknotes.[10] Estimates suggest that the average life of a twenty euro banknote is about two years before it is replaced due to wear.[11]

It is the third-smallest note, measuring 133 x 72 mm with a blue colour scheme.[6] The twenty euro banknotes depict bridges and arches/doorways in Gothic architecture (between the 13th and 14th century CE). The twenty euro note contains several complex security features such as watermarks, invisible ink, holograms and microprinting that document its authenticity.

The full design of the Europa series 20 euro banknote was revealed on 24 February 2015[12][13] and launched on 25 November 2015.[12]

  1. ^ Institutions and the members of the Eurozone
  2. ^ "ECB: Security Features". European Central Bank. European Central Bank. 2008. Archived from the original on 28 May 2013. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  3. ^ "ECB: Security features". European Central Bank. ecb.int. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  4. ^ "ECB: Feel". European Central Bank. European Central Bank. 2002. Archived from the original on 21 October 2011. Retrieved 9 October 2011.
  5. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Introduction was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ a b c "ECB: Banknotes". European Central Bank. European Central Bank. 2002. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  7. ^ a b c d "ECB: Banknotes design". ECB. ECB. February 1996. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  8. ^ "Witnessing a milestone in European history". The Herald. Back Issue. 1 January 2002. Archived from the original on 8 November 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  9. ^ * "Andorran Euro Coins". Eurocoins.co.uk. Eurocoins.co.uk. 2003. Archived from the original on 16 August 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  10. ^ "ECB Statistical Data Warehouse,Reports>ECB/Eurosystem policy>Banknotes and coins statistics>1.Euro banknotes>1.1 Quantities". ECB. European Central Bank.
  11. ^ "Eurozone's new 5-euro note: Coming to a wallet near you". Deutsche Welle.
  12. ^ a b "New €20 banknote unveiled in Frankfurt today". European Central Bank. 24 February 2015.
  13. ^ "Eurosystem to unveil the new €20 and support banknote equipment manufacturers and suppliers". 19 December 2014.