27 January, 2013
The new €5 note would seem to be the newest definition of the comment made in our last post about the artistic aspects of currency. Europe has been anticipating the release of the new €5 note since the announcement in 2008 that The European Central Bank was planning a design update for the Euro. The notes will be released in ascending order of denomination, starting with the new €5 on May 2nd, 2013. Being home to some of the earliest civilizations on the planet, Europe has significant art history upon which to draw for euro design inspiration. The ECB has also produced a novel on-line interactive experience to help educate the public. Although we found the experience to a bit lacking on some internet browser’s, we encourage you to try it for yourself at the Euro Cash Academy.The new series is entitled Europa and the art depicted on the new €5 is the foundation of the series, as noted in the ECB’s press release:
 The “Face†of the New Euro Banknotes
Portraits have traditionally been used in banknotes all over the world, and research shows that people tend to recognise faces intuitively.the Eurosystem chose to put a portrait of Europa in the watermark and the hologram of the new series of euro banknotes. Europa is a figure from Greek mythology.the portrait was taken from a vase at the Louvre in Paris which was found in southern Italy and is over 2,000 years old.this portrait was chosen because it has a clear association with the continent of Europe and also adds a human touch to the banknotes.
In Greek mythology, Europa, the daughter of a Phoenician king, was seduced by the god Zeus, in the shape of a bull, who carried her away to crete. The story inspired the ancient Greeks to use “Europe†as a geographical term.
ECB: the Europa €5 banknote unveiled
The Europa series €5 banknote was unveiled, on behalf of the Eurosystem, by ECB President Mario Draghi on 10 January 2013 at the Archaeological Museum in Frankfurt am Main. Compared with the first series €5 banknote, the Europa series has a refreshed design as well as enhanced security features. The new €5 note will be introduced in the euro area as of 2 May 2013.
The New Face of the Euro – Europa
Portraits have traditionally been used on banknotes all over the world. Research has shown that people tend to recognise faces easily. That’s why a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology and the origin of the name of our continent, was chosen to be included in the watermark and the hologram of the second series of euro banknotes – the Europa series.
