Euro Banknote Designs Unveiled: Famous Figures to Grace New Currency

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched a public survey to choose the design of future euro banknotes. The competition drew over 1,200 submissions from across Europe, and an independent jury narrowed it down to ten finalists.

The designs follow two overarching themes: 'European Culture' and 'Rivers and Birds.' For the culture series, the front must feature a significant historical figure, while the back shows a scene or object tied to cultural life. The rivers-and-birds motif depicts European rivers from source to sea alongside the bird species that inhabit them.

The €5 note could feature Maria Callas, with street musicians on the reverse; the €10 note, Ludwig van Beethoven alongside a choral festival; the €20 note, Marie Skłodowska-Curie and a university; the €50 note, Miguel de Cervantes and a library; the €100 note, Leonardo da Vinci and a contemporary art exhibition; and the €200 note, Bertha von Suttner alongside a city square.

The new banknotes will not enter circulation for at least a few more years and will feature enhanced anti-counterfeiting measures along with improved accessibility for people with visual impairments. The main reason for updating the design is to stay one step ahead of counterfeiters, said Philippe Joffroy, head of the ECB's new banknotes division.