The European Central Bank will start circulating new €100 and €200 banknotes from 28th May. These two notes would be the final two denominations from the “Europa” series of euro notes. All notes from this series feature a portrait of an ancient Goddess from Greek mythology called “Europa”. Bank officials claim that Europe was named after this Goddess and the inclusion of her portrait will give the notes a human touch.

Themes and styles from the earlier series remain unchanged. However, an independent banknote designer named Reinhold Gerstetter from Berlin has upgraded them. Bank officials believe that the visual elements created by the artist are more appropriate and his bridges are more three-dimensional. Apart from the designs, the security features have also been upgraded.

The new €100 note is majorly green in colour. It has a length of 147 mm and a width of 77 mm. It features Baroque and Rococo style bridges and arches from the 17th and 18th centuries. The yellow-brown €200 note has a length of 153 mm and a width of 77 mm. Elements of 19th Century European iron and glass architecture are featured on the note.

Every eurozone country except Germany and Austria stopped circulating €500 banknotes on 27th January. Germany and Austria followed suit on 26th April. This makes the €200 note, the highest denomination note in Europe. 23 per cent of all euro notes in circulation is €100 notes. They take the second spot in terms of a number of notes in circulation, after €50 notes. Only 1 per cent of all notes in circulation is €200 notes.

Image Courtesy: European Central Bank