Status report on euro counterfeits recovered in the first half of 2017

Banknotes

In the first half of 2017 a total of 1,507 counterfeit euro banknotes were recovered in Slovakia. This number was more than 10% higher compared to the second half of the previous year. Approximately 85% of all counterfeits were recovered from circulation.

Half-yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro banknotes

	2011		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		2017
Period	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H
Number	720	5,540	790	654	979	1,736	1,910	1,556	1,878	1,046	1,852	1,346	1,507

The most numerous denominations of the counterfeit banknotes recovered in the first half of 2017 were €50 (59.7% of the total) and €20 (13.5%). The number of €500 counterfeits (10.2% of the total) increased in the first half of 2017.

Number of counterfeit euro banknotes by denomination

	€5	€10	€20	€50	€100	€200	€500	Total
Number	14	24	204	899	181	32	153	1 507
%	0.9	1.6	13.5	59.7	12.0	2.1	10.2	100.0

While the quality of counterfeit banknotes is generally high, the public can detect them without special equipment if they stay vigilant when receiving banknotes. Genuine banknotes can be easily recognised using the “feel, look and tilt” method described 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 2017 a total of 574 counterfeit euro coins were recovered in Slovakia. The number of coin counterfeits has been falling for an extended period of time. Counterfeit €2 coins accounted for 67.7% of the total. All coin counterfeits were recovered from circulation.

Half-yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro coins

	2011		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		2017
Period	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H
Number	786	842	896	2,111	3,216	29,271	1,511	1,213	971	854	9,622	638	574

The technical quality of coin counterfeits is mostly high or very high, 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 euro coins by denomination

	50 cent	€1	€2	Total
Number	129	57	388	574
%	22.5	9.9	67.6	100.0

The easiest way to detect a counterfeit coin is with 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 the websites of the ECB and Národná banka Slovenska.