After many years of cooperation on economical, cultural and legislational matters, the end of the 20th century meant the introduction of a new currency in the mayor parts of the European area.
In 1999 euro was officially introduced as a new currency, but it lasted till 2002 until the coins and banknotes were actually put in circulation.
As a way to say 'goodbye' to the old national currencies, and a 'welcome' to the new notes, a lot of promotion was made. Informational posters with explanation on the new currency, as well as toy money for the kids to practise.
France issued some specimen notes, using the same sizes and colours as the the soon-to-be notes.
In a set of 8 notes, the mayor countries that started using the euro, were presented.
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| promotional material for the EURO currency |
5-euro:
On the 5-euro, all (last) Italian notes in lira are shown
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| 5 euro detail (Italy) |
Here we see all Portugese notes in escudos
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| 10 euro detail (Portugal) |
The 20-euro note depicts the last issue of the Spanish peseta notes
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| 20 euro detail (Spain) |
For the next note, all of the last Dutch guilder notes were chosen
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| 50 euro detail (The Netherlands) |
100-euro:
Here we find the last notes issued in Belgian francs
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| 100 euro detail (Belgium) |
On the second highest denomination, we find all notes in German marks
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| 200 euro detail (Germany) |
Finally, we see the last notes in French francs
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| 500 euro detail (France) |
On the reverse side of the 'notes', we see all 12 flags of the intitial countries, forming the European monetary union (as well as two European flags with the Euro-sign.
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| reverse side of the promotional notes |
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| detail of the reverse side of the 'notes' |
Althoug this is (was) promotional material, these notes are offered on various vending sites, and prices vary from 1 - 2 USD / EURO per note.
For a full set, about 10 $ / € is asked.
