The €100 banknote is one of the higher-value euro notes. Although it was introduced fairly recently compared to other notes it has a high circulation with up to 3,941,802,973 100 euro banknotes around the euro area as of June 2023.
When was the New 100 Euro Banknote Release Date
The 100-euro banknote was released alongside the 200-euro banknote on the same date. This second series of 100 euro banknotes was released into circulation on the 28th of May 2019.
Size of New 100 Euro Note
The first series of the 100-euro note was slightly larger. It measured 147 mm in width and 82 mm in height. The newly released note has the same width of 147 mm but a shorter height of 77mm.
New 100 Euro Note Security Features
The new €100 notes have additional security features that ensure it cannot be easily counterfeited. These security features include both physical features that can be seen and features that can only be detected by machines.
Feel
The unique printing of the new 100 euro note results in a distinguishable feel that includes features to aid the visually impaired.
The banknote should be stiff and crisp. If you run your fingers across the note you should feel a series of short raised lines along the edges. The main picture and the value feel thicker than the rest of the note.
Visual Measures
When the €100 banknote is held against the light, it reveals an image. The image consists of the portrait of Europa, a window, and the value of the note. When you shift the note onto a darker surface the lighter areas in the bank note become darker.
Its darkened sections should reveal the value of the note on top of the watermark. The watermark is also a security feature that is visible on both sides of the note as well as the security thread.
When held against the light the note against the light the window above the hologram becomes transparent and reveals a portrait of Europa and the euro symbol that can be seen on both sides.
Tilt
When you tilt the €100 note it reveals rainbow colored line that surrounds the euro sign in the transparent window. On the back of the note rainbow colored values appear when tilted.
The silver stripes on the back of the note also reveal a portrait of Europa when tilted. It also reveals an image of a euro symbol that moves around the number like a satellite hologram. The emerald number at the bottom of the note changes colors when tilted and appears to be moving up and down when exposed to light
Microprint
There are minute letters that are written in some parts of the notes. Although they cannot be read with the naked eye as they are, you can use a magnifying lens to make out the printed letters,
UV Light
When subjected to UV light you may observe sections of the note glowing. The paper itself does not glow. It is infused with fiber that glows in three different colors when exposed to UV light.
Stars of the flag, the smaller circles, and some of the larger circles glow yellow and a few other areas in the front. On the back of the note, only a quarter of the circle located at the center of the note glows green. Horizontal serial number and a stripe glow red.
Infrared Light
When exposed to infrared light the emerald number is partially large, a partial main image, and the silvery stripe remains visible. The back of the note will remain with the window, the large number, and the serial number.
How to Detect Counterfeit New 100 Euro Banknote
Detecting counterfeit 100 euro notes is made possible by taking into account its security features. Missing security features are usually an indication of counterfeit notes.
You can either feel the note, hold it against the light to reveal hidden markers, tilt it to ensure that all the features are present, or use special devices. The devices may include standard UV light or infrared light. A money counter will also help in distinguishing real notes from counterfeit notes.
Design of New 100 Euros Note
The color of the 100-euro banknote is green. New notes are also referred to as the Europa series as they contain a portrait of Europa, which originates from Greek mythology.
These notes contain baroque and rococo architecture styles popular from 1600 to 1750.
The new design incorporates 10 language variations of the initials of the European Central Bank, BCE ECB ЕЦБ EZB EKP EKT ESB EKB BĊE EBC.
In addition to Latin (Euro), the name of the currency is also written in other languages such as the Cyrillic alphabet (EBPO) and Greek (EYPΩ) letter. The islands of Malta and Cyprus have been added to the map on the note
How Does a 200 Euro Note Compare to a One Hundred Euro Banknote
Aside from the difference in value of the two notes, the 100 euro note and 200 euro note have other differences.
Although both notes were reduced in size so that they both measured 77mm in height, the €100 measures 147 mm in width while the €200 is 153mm in width. The €200 note is relatively lower in terms of circulation compared to the €100 banknote
Estimated New 100 Euro in Circulation
According to statistics from the European Central Bank the number of Europa series 100 euro notes in circulation are estimated to be about 3,941,802,973 €100 banknotes as of June 2023.
How 1st and 2nd Series of New 100 Euros Notes Compare
There are several differences between the first and the second 100 euro notes. The differences include:
- Both notes are green in color and measure 147mm in width. The 1st series is bigger than the second series.
- The notes in the first series measured 82mm in length while the second series notes measured 77mm in height.
- Reinhold Gerstetter a Berlin-based banknote designer created slightly more improved visual elements. The elements are not only smoother but the bridges on the notes are more three-dimensional.
- The 2nd series has 10 acronyms of the European Central Bank in 10 different languages whereas the 1st series contained only 5 variations.
- The second series also referred to as the Europa series contains a portrait of Europa.
- Europa series contains additional security features that aid in reducing counterfeiting.
Countries Using the New 100 Euro Notes
The euro currency is used across countries within the Eurozone which is comprised of members of the European Union.
These countries include Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, and Spain.
Not all countries in the European Union have adopted the euro as their currency and similarly, there are non-EU countries that use the euro as part of their formal agreements with the European Union. These countries include Andorra, Monaco, Kosovo, Montenegro, San Marino, and Vatican City
Importance of EuroBill Tracker (EBT)
The EuroBill tracker is a system that was designed to track euro notes. It helps generate statistics on the movement of the euro bills tracking the bills from their origin to where they end up.
If you enter your notes you get notified when the same note has been entered by another user in the system. It could be a way of tracking and ensuring that are kept informed even when the notes are out of your hand.
Which Bank Manages the New 100 Euro Currency?
The new euro currency is managed mainly by the European Central Bank as well as the European system.
The European system of central banks comprises the European Central Bank and all the national central banks of all the countries that are part of the European Union. These institutions are responsible for printing and distributing the new bills.
Are Old 100 Euro Bills Worthless?
The 1st series of the €100 notes are not worthless. Both the first and second series of the €100 notes are still being used.
However, only new notes will be released by the central banks. Over time there will be fewer first-series notes in circulation. If it is decided that the old notes will no longer be effective, then an advance notice will be issued giving everyone enough time to make the necessary exchanges. The value will remain the same and can be exchanged for the same value Europa €100 notes should there be a need for it.
Conclusion
The 100-euro note is the most popular euro banknote after the 50-euro note. The second series notes also referred to as the Europa series have been improved. With upgraded security features the risk of counterfeit notes circulating has been reduced. The new banknotes have also been reduced so that they are similar in height to the 50-euro banknote making it easier to use the money counter machine. The smaller size also makes it easier to carry around.
More Resources:
European Banknotes – Source: ECB
European Current Banknotes – Source: ECB
Euro Banknotes – Source: Wikipedia