Status report on euro counterfeits recovered in the first half of 2015

Banknotes

In the first half of 2015 a total of 1,878 counterfeit euro banknotes were recovered in Slovakia. This number was stable compared to the same period of the previous year.

The half-yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro banknotes recovered

The most numerous denominations of counterfeit banknotes recovered were €50 (74.9% of the total) and €20 (13.8%).

Number of counterfeit banknotes broken down by denomination

The quality of counterfeit banknotes recovered from circulation is generally good. In spite of that, counterfeits can be detected without using special technical equipment, simply by checking banknotes received in cash transactions.
This is easily done using the reliable “FEEL–LOOK–TILT” test, which is described and demonstrated on the euro pages of the ECB’s website (www.ecb.int) and the websites of the Eurosystem national central banks.

Coins

In the first half of 2015 a total of 971 counterfeit euro coins were recovered in Slovakia, the number fell by 36% compared to the same period of the previous year. €2 counterfeits accounted for 67.4% of the total.

The half-yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro coins recovered

The technical quality of coin counterfeits is mostly good or very good, and it may therefore be quite difficult for the public to detect them, especially if insufficient attention is paid to coins when received.

Number of counterfeit coins broken down by denomination

The easiest way to detect a counterfeit coin is by using a simple magnet. Genuine €1 and €2 coins have a magnetic core and therefore by applying a magnet to the core it is possible to compare the magnetism of a suspect coin with that of a genuine coin. It is also important to observe the general appearance and colour of a suspect coin. In the case of a suspect €2 coin, it is also recommended to check the edge lettering.

More detailed information about the common and national sides of euro circulation coins can be found on websites of the ECB and Národná banka Slovenska.