The new €20 will start circulating tomorrow. It will be easy to recognise thanks to its innovative “portrait window” near the top of the hologram stripe which becomes transparent when seen against the light. The window reveals a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology, which is visible on both sides of the note.
“Cash was, is and will continue to be an important means of payment. The introduction of the new €20 banknote is tangible proof of this”, said ECB Executive Board member Yves Mersch at the launch of the new €20.
The new note, 4.3 billion of which have been printed so far, will gradually replace the €20 banknotes of the first series. Those banknotes will however remain legal tender.
Today also marks the opening of the Euro Exhibition at the ECB, in which the new €20 occupies a prominent position. The exhibition is an attractive way to learn about euro banknotes and coins, security features, as well as the history of money. It is open until 29 February 2016.
The note is part of the Europa series of banknotes, and has a refreshed design and some enhanced security features.
The Euro Exhibition is a travelling display that presents the Europa series in an interactive way. The exhibition is of interest to young and old alike, and includes sections on:
- euro banknotes and their security features, with a focus on the new Europa series;
- the history of money, including a display of all the pre-euro currencies; and
- interactive applications and games related to euro cash.
The exhibition will be open from 25 November 2015 until 29 February 2016.
