The European Central Bank unveiled new 10 euro notes on Monday which will enter into circulation from September this year.
In a bid to curb counterfeiting, the notes have a number of new security features, including more sophisticated holograms and watermarks.
'We have drawn on a number of new technologies to modernise the security features, making the notes even more resistant to counterfeiting. In addition, the new banknotes have an innovative coating that makes them more durable than the first series. The five euro and ten euro notes are not always treated kindly. By protecting them better, we can prolong their service life and reduce their environmental impact of producing banknotes.' said Yves Mersch Executive Board member.
According to the ECB, over 350.000 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in the second half of 2013, an increase of more than 11 % compared to the the first half of the year.
The new 10 euro bill is part of the Europa series, featuring a portrait of the Greek mythological figure Europa. A new 5 euro note is already in circulation since last May.
