5 euro note
The five-euro note (€5) is the lowest value euro banknote. It has been used since the introduction of the euro (in its cash form) in 2002. The note is used in the 25 countries that have it as their sole currency (with 23 legally adopting it), which countries have a total population of about 343 million currently. In July 2023, there were approximately 2,159,000,000 five-euro banknotes in circulation around the eurozone. It is the fifth-most widely circulated denomination, accounting for 7.2% of the total banknotes. Estimates suggest that the average life of a five-euro banknote is less than a year before it is replaced due to wear.
| (European Union) | |
|---|---|
| Value | 5 euro |
| Width | 120 mm |
| Height | 62 mm |
| Security features | First series: hologram stripe with perforations, reflective glossy stripe, EURion constellation, watermarks, raised printing, microprinting, ultraviolet ink, security thread, matted surface, see-through number, barcodes and serial number Europa series: portrait watermark, portrait hologram, emerald number |
| Material used | Cotton fibre |
| Years of printing | 1999–2011 (1st series) Since 2011 (Europa series) |
| Obverse | |
| Design | Arch in Classical architecture |
| Designer | Robert Kalina |
| Design date | 10 January 2013 |
| Reverse | |
| Design | Bridge in Classical architecture and map of Europe |
| Designer | Robert Kalina |
| Design date | 10 January 2013 |
Measuring 120 x 62 mm, it is the smallest of the euro notes, and has a grey colour scheme. The five-euro banknotes depict bridges and arches/doorways in Classical architecture (up to the fifth century). The five-euro note contains several complex security features such as watermarks, invisible ink, holograms and microprinting that document its authenticity.
On 8 November 2012, the European Central Bank announced the first series of notes will be replaced by the Europa series, starting with the five-euro note on 2 May 2013.