The 50-euro banknote dominates circulation, accounting for almost half of the total in the eurozone
An analysis of the distribution and value of euro banknotes, focusing on the most common denominations and trends in their use and accumulation
The 50-euro banknote is by far the most widely used and accounts for almost half of the total volume of banknotes in circulation in the eurozone.
According to the official statistics from the European Central Bank (ECB), the percentage breakdown of the number of banknotes in circulation for each denomination as a proportion of the total is as follows:
5 euros: 7.4% of the total number of banknotes
10 euros: 10.2%
20 euros: 16.0%
50 euro: 49.2%
100 euro: 13.8%
200 euro: 2.7%
500 euro: 0.7%.
Total value of banknotes in circulation by denomination
Whilst small denominations (5 and 10 euros) are used for micro-transactions and wear out quickly, denominations of 50 euros and above represent the true store of value for European cash.
5-euro notes: 10.7 billion euros (0.7% of the total value)
10-euro notes: 30.1 (1.9%)
20-euro notes: 96.0 (6.0%)
50-euro notes: 731.6 (45.5%)
€100: 402.3 (25.0%)
€200: 172.8 (10.8%)
€500: ~163.9 (10.2%)
Here are the features of the various banknotes
The 5-euro note is the smallest denomination and the one that wears out the most; the 10-euro note is very common for everyday small transactions, whilst the 20-euro note is the second most common denomination for ATM withdrawals.
The 50-euro banknote is the mainstay of European cash, whilst the 100-euro note is growing rapidly, used as a store of value, whilst qthe 200-euro note is the least common denomination in circulation.
