In case you are familiar with the euro notes, you know that the second generation is based on the first one, design wise, but with a few differences and new features. The first note that was "updated" was the €5, followed by the €10 ... and this year it was time for the new €20. Came out on 25 November, but I did not get my first one until a few days ago. Here it is, old (above) and new (below). Christian
Like the €5 and €10, the new €20 has an "emerald number" (bottom left) that changes its appearance depending on how one holds it. The theme is still Gothic architecture, with windows/arches on the front, and bridges on the back. Instead of the "foil stripe" on the right, it now has separate holograms.
And while Europa is on the second generation €5 and €10 too, she is in a transparent window on the €20. See the pen?
I received one in Spain a couple of days ago... first I thought "what the heck" but a quick Google search clarified everything Thanks for sharing!
Ah, but in the UK you will soon have polymer notes which also allow cool features. The euro bills are still cotton based, but the new ones have a lacquer layer. Makes them somewhat more durable without that "plastic feeling" that some people do not like when it comes to polymer. What I do not like about the euro notes is the sizes, and they did/will not change with the new generation. It makes a lot of sense to have different dimensions for different denominations, but a varying width would work fine. Different heights, meh ... Side note: If you ever come across a new euro note with an "H" or "J" as the first character of the serial number, well, that is a British one. Not made for the UK of course, but made by De La Rue in Loughton (H) or Gateshead (J). Christian
Interesting. Although the Brit's don't want to have the Euro, they don't mind making money producing it. LOL
Things will be a little different once the UK leaves the EU. But until then ... Any banknote manufacturer in the European Union (not just the euro area) that meets the conditions, standards, bells, whistles, etc. can produce them. For example, another euro printer is "Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych" - you can guess where they are. Don't know whether PWPW has produced any yet, but the company has the "D" printer code. Christian
Growing up all the bills I used were the same size. It wasn't until I got to Korea when I first encountered bills of different denominations being different sizes.
