EURO NOTES AND COINS
How many euro notes will there be?
There will be seven euro notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.
The front of the notes will show windows and gateways, symbolising openness
and co-operation in Europe. The back of the notes will feature bridges,
symbolising communication among the peoples of Europe and between Europe
and the rest of the world. The notes are illustrated on the centre pages
of this handbook.
Will euro notes be the same in all the countries
of the euro area?
Yes, the euro notes will be the same in all the countries of the euro
area.
How many euro coins will there be?
There are one hundred cent to the euro and there will be eight euro
coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, and 1 and 2 euro. The coins are
shown on the centre pages.
Will euro coins be the same in all the countries
of the euro area?
One side of the euro coins will be the same in all the euro countries.
It will show a map of the EU in different forms with a background of
lines and stars. The other side of the coins will show the twelve stars
of the EU flag and the year, plus a national emblem reflecting the country
in which the coins were produced.
What will be Ireland's national emblem on
the euro coins?
In Ireland's case, the national emblem will be the harp and the word 'Éire'. The design for the Irish national side of euro coins is shown
on the centre pages.
Will I be able to use the euro notes and coins
I get in Ireland in all the countries of the euro area?
Yes. The euro is a common currency and everyone in the euro area will
be able to use euro notes and coins - no matter which national design
is on the coins - in all the countries of the euro area.
Will euro notes be available to the public
before 1 January 2002?
Euro notes will not be available to the public before 1 January 2002.
Will euro coins be available before 1 January
2002?
Starter packs of euro coins will go on sale to the public from Monday
17 December 2001. The packs will be sold at face value, £5 (€6.35),
and will contain at least one of each of the eight euro coin denominations:
the balance will be made up mainly with the larger-value coins. The
packs will be on sale mainly through post offices. Limited supplies
will also be available at individual banks and building societies and,
where feasible, at credit unions for members. The coins will not be
legal tender until 1 January 2002 and should not be used before that
date.
