Security features which make euro currency difficult to counterfeit

There are four basic rules in order to verify whether coins and banknotes are fake: feel, look, tilt, and check.

BANKNOTES

• Feel
  The raised print (a special printing process giving banknotes their unique feel) is present on different areas of the banknote and the characteristic raised effect can be easily felt by touching the banknote. Moreover the borders of the € 200 and € 500 banknotes have special tactile elements originally created for use by the blind.
  
• Look
  By holding the banknote against the light, it is possible to see a watermark that is achieved by varying the thickness of the paper during the production process in order to obtain a "light and dark" effect. A dark-colored micro-inscribed security thread also runs vertically through the banknote.
  
  Tilt
• By inclining the banknote, one can see:
• a holographic strip, on which the symbol of the Euro and the face value can be seen;
• an iridescent strip, which if placed vertically will shine and change colour slightly when the banknote is held up to the light;
• a holographic marker (only on € 50, € 100, € 200 and € 500 banknotes) which, when inclined, reveals an image and the face value.

• Check
• With the use of a loupe, some fine inscriptions (micro-characters) can be seen, which should be sharp and in focus. They are present on both sides of the banknote.