Status report on euro counterfeits recovered in 2025
Banknotes
The total number of counterfeit euro banknotes recovered in Slovakia in 2025 was 2,389. The total of 1,770 counterfeits were recovered from circulation (74.1%). The total number of counterfeit euro banknotes was 28.6 % higher compared with the number for 2024, but in general has been long-term stable and relatively low compared to other eurozone countries.
Yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro banknotes
| Year | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 |
| Number | 1,162 | 771 | 1,697 | 1,857 | 2,389 |
The counterfeit banknotes recovered in 2025 consisted mostly of counterfeit €50 banknotes and €100 banknotes.
Breakdown of counterfeit euro banknotes by denomination
| €5 | €10 | €20 | €50 | €100 | €200 | €500 | Total | |
| Number | 31 | 149 | 410 | 768 | 758 | 86 | 187 | 2,389 |
| % | 1.3 | 6.2 | 17.2 | 32.1 | 31.7 | 3.6 | 7.9 | 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 2025 a total of 2,812 counterfeit euro coins were recovered in Slovakia. This number was 9.7 % lower compared with 2024. All counterfeit coins were recovered from circulation.
Yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro banknotes coins
| Year | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Number | 1,592 | 2,580 | 3,414 | 3,113 | 2,812 |
Counterfeit €2 coins accounted for 91.2% of the total. 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 | 44 | 204 | 2,564 | 2,812 |
| % | 1.6 | 7.2 | 91.2 | 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.
Both cashiers and the general public can enhance their knowledge regarding banknotes, coins, and their security features through a new, free e-learning course titled “Spoznaj euro” (Know the Euro), available on the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) website.
The entire course can be completed in approximately two hours. At the end of the course, users can verify their acquired knowledge by taking a final online test. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate in PDF format, valid for two years.
In 2025 only 4 pieces of the banknote counterfeits were detected per one million genuine banknotes in circulation (across the euro area, the figure was 14 per million), and there were 3 coin counterfeits per one million genuine coin in circulation. The likelihood of receiving a counterfeit banknote or counterfeit coin in cash circulation is therefore very small.
National Bank of Slovakia
Communications Section
Imricha Karvaša 1, 813 25 Bratislava
Contact: press@nbs.sk
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