FAQ on reproduction rules for euro banknotes
Q1. Do I need permission to reproduce euro banknotes?
You do not usually need special permission as long as you comply with the reproduction rules laid down in Decision ECB/2013/10.
We do not issue printed authorisations to use banknote images. It is your responsibility to meet the requirements.
Q2. How can I request images of euro banknotes, and do I have to pay for them?
Our images are free of charge. You can download low-resolution images directly.
To request high-resolution images, you can send an email to Euro-Banknotes-Images@ecb.europa.eu and follow the instructions on the ECB’s images and reproduction rules webpage. Both the low-resolution images and the instructions can be found under the heading “Download banknote images”.
Q3. Do all the rules apply to all types of reproduction?
The rules for physical reproductions apply separately according to the type of reproduction in question (depending on whether it is a reproduction of one side, two sides or only a part of the banknote, and depending on the material used for the reproduction). For digital reproductions of the full banknote, the first three criteria, summarised in the table on the explanation of the criteria for digital reproductions, must be met. Please go to the ECB’s images and reproduction rules webpage for more information.
Q4. Do I have to incorporate the word “specimen” into my reproduction?
The word “specimen” only needs to be incorporated into digital reproductions.
Q5. How must the word “specimen” be incorporated into my reproduction?
The word “specimen” must be incorporated diagonally across the whole image. The letters must be in Arial font and displayed in bold (non-translucent) letters. The word “specimen” must measure at least 75% of the length of the reproduction, while its height must be at least 15% of the width of the reproduction.
Q6. Does the ECB provide any images of euro banknotes without the word “specimen” incorporated?
All images that the ECB provides will be marked with the word “specimen”.
Q7. What do the maximum and minimum percentage limits for physical reproduction mean in terms of size?
Table 1: Measures for one-sided reproductions of Europa series banknotes
Table 2: Measures for two-sided reproductions of Europa series banknotes
Original size | 200% of original | 50% of original | |
€5 | 120 x 62 mm | 240 x 124 mm | 60.0 x 31.0 mm |
€10 | 127 x 67 mm | 254 x 134 mm | 63.5 x 33.5 mm |
€20 | 133 x 72 mm | 266 x 144 mm | 66.5 x 36.0 mm |
€50 | 140 x 77 mm | 280 x 154 mm | 70.0 x 38.5 mm |
€100 | 147 x 77 mm | 294 x 154 mm | 73.5 x 38.5 mm |
€200 | 153 x 77 mm | 306 x 154 mm | 76.5 x 38.5 mm |
Q8. Can I use high-resolution 300 dpi images digitally?
No, a digital reproduction must not exceed 72 dpi at 100% of the original size.
Q9. What do you mean by “a material clearly different from that used for current euro notes”?
This means anything that does not look or feel like a euro banknote. You can print on textiles, ceramics, plastic or similar materials as long as the material you use cannot be mistaken for a genuine note.
Q10. What are “individual design elements”?
These can be colours, dimensions, letters or symbols that may resemble or give the general impression of a genuine euro banknote (for instance architectural images, the map of Europe, the name of the currency, the initials of the European Central Bank in nine different languages and the EU flag).
Q11. Do I have to follow the same rules as for euro banknotes if I want to reproduce euro coins?
The rules on euro banknote and coin reproduction differ. For details of the rules that apply to the reproduction of euro coins, please visit the European Commission's website.