EURO CASH – 20 years of euro banknotes and coins

January 1, 2022, marks the 20^th anniversary of the introduction of euro cash in 12 EU member states –  Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland. When these countries introduced euro banknotes and coins on January 1, 2002, they performed the largest currency changeover in history.

Today, around 342 million people in 19 EU countries use the euro as their official currency, making it the second most important currency in the world.

The euro is more than a simple unit or measure of value, however. It plays a strong role in fostering our common European identity.

The Money Museum’s special exhibition takes a close look at the official euro banknotes and coins and reveals why the euro is also a much sought-after collectible. Moreover, it explains how euro cash is made and shows designs for euro banknotes and coins that never left the drawing board.