Status report on euro counterfeits recovered in 2024
Banknotes
The total number of counterfeit euro banknotes recovered in Slovakia in 2024 was 1,857, of which 1,536 (82.7%) were detected in circulation. The total was 9.4% higher compared with 2023. Overall, however, the number of counterfeit euro banknotes in Slovakia has been stable over the long term and is relatively low compared with other euro area countries. The total was significantly higher in 2020 than in other recent years because, in August of that year, a single police operation resulted in the seizure of 15,002 counterfeit banknotes before they entered circulation.
Yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro banknotes
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 16,294 | 1,162 | 771 | 1,697 | 1,857 |
The counterfeit banknotes recovered in 2024 consisted mostly of counterfeit €20 and €50 denominations.
Breakdown of counterfeit euro banknotes by denomination
| €5 | €10 | €20 | €50 | €100 | €200 | €500 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 37 | 244 | 547 | 546 | 324 | 94 | 65 | 1,857 |
| % | 2.0 | 13.1 | 29.5 | 29.4 | 17.4 | 5.1 | 3.5 | 100.0 |
While counterfeit euro banknotes are generally of high quality, the public can detect them without special equipment by staying vigilant. 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 2024, a total of 3,113 counterfeit euro coins were recovered in Slovakia, 8.8% fewer than in 2023. All of them were detected in circulation. Counterfeit €2 coins accounted for 93.4% of the total.
Yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro coins
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 1,229 | 1,592 | 2,580 | 3,414 | 3,113 |
The technical quality of counterfeit euro coins is mostly high or very high, making them difficult for the public to detect—especially if people do not closely examine coins when receiving them.
Breakdown of counterfeit euro coins by denomination
| 50 cent | €1 | €2 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 48 | 157 | 2,908 | 3,113 |
| % | 1.6 | 5.0 | 93.4 | 100.0 |
The easiest way to detect a counterfeit coin is by using a simple magnet. Genuine €1 and €2 coins have a magnetic core, so applying a magnet allows you to compare the magnetism of a suspect coin with that of a genuine one. 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 recommended to check the edge lettering as well.
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.
National Bank of Slovakia
Communications Section
Imricha Karvaša 1, 813 25 Bratislava
Contact: press@nbs.sk
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