The euro is probably the only currency in the world that issues banknotes with a face value of zero. These are collectibles and there are hundreds of different designs, but they are genuine —although unofficial — banknotes with real security features like holograms, microprints and UV ink.
At present there are over 5,000 unique designs. They typically cost €2. I think that they make great souvenirs — much better than postcards, t-shirts or tacky items like snow globes.
I've been collecting them for many years. My aim is not to get all of them. Could easily do that by ordering the fuller collection on eBay or something but that would be no fun.
If you are lucky their collection value can increase over time. Some rare designs or early editions, such as the 2015 Arc de Triomphe or Duisburg MSV banknotes, can fetch between €50 and €200. Exceptionally rare ones, like the Duisburg stadium banknote issued in 2016, have been sold for up to €1,000.
Interestingly these €0 banknotes are so popular that they have spread beyond the borders of Europe in most tourist destinations around the world. You can buy 0€ bills from New York, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, Hong Kong, or Mount Fuji. But all of them display the EU flag. The only exception are the Swiss banknotes which display the Swiss flag instead (and also do not mention the euro or any other currency).
At present there are over 5,000 unique designs. They typically cost €2. I think that they make great souvenirs — much better than postcards, t-shirts or tacky items like snow globes.
I've been collecting them for many years. My aim is not to get all of them. Could easily do that by ordering the fuller collection on eBay or something but that would be no fun.
If you are lucky their collection value can increase over time. Some rare designs or early editions, such as the 2015 Arc de Triomphe or Duisburg MSV banknotes, can fetch between €50 and €200. Exceptionally rare ones, like the Duisburg stadium banknote issued in 2016, have been sold for up to €1,000.
Interestingly these €0 banknotes are so popular that they have spread beyond the borders of Europe in most tourist destinations around the world. You can buy 0€ bills from New York, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, Hong Kong, or Mount Fuji. But all of them display the EU flag. The only exception are the Swiss banknotes which display the Swiss flag instead (and also do not mention the euro or any other currency).
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