The euro is a secure currency that is rarely counterfeited. This pattern is also observed in Latvia. Moreover, in 2025, both the number and the value of counterfeit euro banknotes and coins decreased.
In 2025, 1040 counterfeit euro banknotes and coins were detected in our country, comprising 455 counterfeit banknotes and 585 counterfeit coins respectively. The number of detected counterfeits has fallen by 20% in comparison with 2024 (1304 counterfeits were detected in 2024, comprising 593 counterfeit banknotes and 711 counterfeit coins respectively). The value of counterfeits has also decreased by 24%. In 2024, the value of all counterfeits totalled EUR 27 802, whereas in 2025, it was EUR 21 085.
These amounts should be considered insignificant, and the likelihood of encountering a counterfeit remains low.
2 euro coins remain the most commonly counterfeited in Latvia (536 and 663 counterfeit coins in 2025 and 2024 respectively), followed by counterfeit 50 euro banknotes (205 and 243 counterfeits in 2025 and 2024 respectively) and counterfeit 20 euro banknotes (150 and 149 counterfeits in 2025 and 2024 respectively).
Overall, 444 000 counterfeit banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in the euro area in 2025, of which approximately 80% were 20 and 50 euro denominations. Out of one million genuine banknotes, 14 counterfeit banknotes were recorded. Compared to 2024, the number of counterfeits has decreased (554 000 counterfeit euro banknotes, equivalent to 18 counterfeits per million genuine banknotes, were detected).
Although the number of euro counterfeits remains low, the euro area countries are preparing for the issuance of the next, third series, of euro banknotes. The Governing Council of the European Central Bank could decide on the design of these banknotes and the timing of their release into circulation as early as this year.
Author: Aleksandrs Antiņš, Head of the Cash Technology Division, Latvijas Banka
Source: lb.lv
