Germany Sees Fewer Counterfeit Euro Notes Overall, But €100 Notes Surge

The German central bank withdrew around 30,000 counterfeit euro banknotes from circulation in the first half of 2026, with a total face value of €1.75 million. The figure marks a 4.3% decline in the number of fakes compared with the second half of 2025, while losses from counterfeiting fell 5%. Statistically, just seven fake notes per 10,000 inhabitants were detected annually, a level the Bundesbank described as low.

Beneath the headline number, however, the composition of counterfeit notes shifted sharply. While most denominations saw declines, fake €100 notes jumped 61% — the only denomination to increase. The €50 note remained the most frequently counterfeited, accounting for 47% of all fakes, followed by the €20 at 25% and the €100 at 17%. Simple counterfeits, often bearing markings such as “movie money,” “prop copy,” or “Geçersiz,” made up a slightly larger share of the total.

Meanwhile, counterfeit euro coin discoveries rose 8.6% to about 64,900 pieces in the same period — roughly 15 counterfeit coins per 10,000 inhabitants per year. The vast majority (91.1%) were €2 coins. The 1-euro and 50-cent coins together accounted for just under 9% of fake coins.

Behind the Bundesbank Counterfeit Data: Shifting Tactics and a Coin Bump

Why €100 counterfeits are surging despite overall decline

The 61% spike in fake €100 notes stands out as the Bundesbank’s success in suppressing lower-denomination counterfeits continues. It likely reflects a criminal calculation: higher-value notes offer greater potential gain per transaction, and the €100 note is used less frequently in everyday retail than €20 or €50, possibly making it subject to less immediate scrutiny. However, because euro banknotes contain sophisticated security features, most counterfeits remain crude and are easily spotted — a factor that likely keeps the overall volume low relative to cash in circulation.

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The growing share of simple fakes with foreign markings

The Bundesbank noted a slight increase in “simple” counterfeits that are trivial to identify. These notes are often marked with “movie money,” “prop copy,” “facsimile,” or the Turkish word “Geçersiz” (invalid). Such notes typically lack any security features—no watermark, no color-changing emerald number, no raised print—and are spotted immediately during checks. Their rising use suggests that fraudsters are relying on busy retail environments or hoping that recipients will not examine the notes at all, rather than trying to beat authentication systems.

A quieter rise in counterfeit coins

The 8.6% increase in fake coins—overwhelmingly €2 pieces—is modest in absolute terms but points to a persistent low-level problem. Counterfeit coins are often visually blurry or have incorrect magnetic properties; genuine €1 and €2 coins are slightly magnetic, while fakes tend to be either strongly magnetic or not magnetic at all. The pattern suggests that small-scale fraud, perhaps at self-service machines or in quick cash transactions, is the main vector, rather than organised mass distribution.

How to Spot Fake Notes and Coins

Because counterfeit banknotes are not replaced by the central bank, the Bundesbank urges anyone handling cash to apply the “feel, look, tilt” method. Practical steps, particularly relevant given the recent trends, include:

  • Check €100 notes carefully. With fakes of this denomination up 61%, pay extra attention to the hologram, watermark, and emerald number—which changes color from emerald to deep blue when tilted.
  • Look for obvious tell-tale markings. Notes with “movie money,” “prop copy,” “facsimile,” or “Geçersiz” printed on them are never genuine, even though they may feel similar to real notes. Always inspect at least two security features.
  • For coins, verify the image clarity and magnetism. Fake euro coins often have unclear or blurred designs. Genuine €1 and €2 coins are only slightly magnetic; if a coin sticks strongly to a magnet or is completely non-magnetic, it is suspect.
  • Compare with a known genuine note or coin. When in doubt, side-by-side comparison almost always highlights the discrepancy.

The Bundesbank offers free counterfeit-prevention training for banks, retailers and the public, and detailed guides are available on the Bundesbank, ECB and police websites.