5 euro note

Five euros
(European Union[1])
Value5 euro
Width120 mm
Height62 mm
Security featuresFirst series: hologram stripe with perforations, reflective glossy stripe, EURion constellation, watermarks, raised printing, microprinting, ultraviolet ink, security thread, matted surface, see-through number, barcodes and serial number[2]
Europa series: portrait watermark, portrait hologram, emerald number[3]
Material usedCotton fibre[2]
Years of printing1999–2011 (1st series)[4]
Since 2011 (Europa series)[5]
Obverse
DesignArch in Classical architecture[6]
DesignerRobert Kalina[7]
Design date10 January 2013[8]
Reverse
DesignBridge in Classical architecture and map of Europe[6]
DesignerRobert Kalina[7]
Design date10 January 2013[8]

The five-euro note (€5) is the lowest value euro banknote. It has been used since the introduction of the euro (in its cash form) in 2002.[9] The note is used in the 25 countries that have it as their sole currency (with 23 legally adopting it), which countries have a total population of about 343 million currently.[10] In July 2024, there were approximately 2,211,000,000 five-euro banknotes in circulation around the eurozone. It is the fifth-most widely circulated denomination, accounting for 7.2% of the total banknotes.[11] Estimates suggest that the average life of a five-euro banknote is less than a year before it is replaced due to wear.[12]

Measuring 120 x 62 mm, it is the smallest of the euro notes, and has a grey colour scheme.[6] The five-euro banknotes depict bridges and arches/doorways in Classical architecture (up to the fifth century). The five-euro note contains several complex security features such as watermarks, invisible ink, holograms and microprinting that document its authenticity.

On 8 November 2012, the European Central Bank announced the first series of notes will be replaced by the Europa series, starting with the five-euro note on 2 May 2013.[6][13]

  1. ^ Institutions and the members of the Eurozone
  2. ^ a b "ECB: Security Features". European Central Bank. ecb.int. 2002. Archived from the original on 2012-08-30. Retrieved 22 October 2011.
  3. ^ "ECB: Security features". European Central Bank. ecb.int. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Introduction was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "New €5 note to be circulated from Thursday - RTÉ News". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. RTÉ. 30 April 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d "ECB: Banknotes". European Central Bank. 2002. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  7. ^ a b "Europa series design - ECB - Our Money". www.new-euro-banknotes.eu. 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
  8. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Europa series ECB was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ "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.
  10. ^ * "Andorran Euro Coins". Eurocoins.co.uk. 2003. Archived from the original on 16 August 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  11. ^ "ECB Statistical Data Warehouse,Reports>ECB/Eurosystem policy>Banknotes and coins statistics>1.Euro banknotes>1.1 Quantities". ECB. European Central Bank.
  12. ^ "Eurozone's new 5-euro note: Coming to a wallet near you". Deutsche Welle.
  13. ^ "European Central Bank unveils new 5-euro note due 02.05.2013". Banknote News. 10 January 2013. Retrieved 10 January 2013.