Status report on euro counterfeits recovered in the second half of 2018

Banknotes

In the second half of 2018 a total of 699 counterfeit euro banknotes were recovered in Slovakia. This number was around 9.7% lower compared with the first half of 2018. Approximately 91% of these counterfeits were recovered from circulation.

Half-yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro banknotes

	2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		2017		2018
Period	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H
Number	790	654	979	1,736	1,910	1,556	1,878	1,046	1,852	1,346	1,507	1,457	774	699

The counterfeit banknotes recovered in the second half of 2018 consisted mostly of counterfeit €50 banknotes (47.1%) and €100 banknotes (28.9%).

Breakdown of counterfeit euro banknotes by denomination

	€5	€10	€20	€50	€100	€200	€500	Total
Number	9	12	71	329	202	31	45	699
%	1.3	1.7	10.2	47.1	28.9	4.4	6.4	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 second half of 2018 a total of 679 counterfeit euro coins were recovered in Slovakia, all from circulation. Counterfeit €2 coins accounted for 79.8% of the total.

Half-yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro coins

	2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		2017		2018
Period	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H	1H	2H
Number	896	2,111	3,216	29,271	1,511	1,213	971	854	9,622	638	574	507	570	679

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.

Breakdown of counterfeit euro coins by denomination

	50 cent	€1	€2	Total
Number	91	46	542	679
%	13.4	6.8	79.8	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.