While the European Central Bank is responsible for tackling counterfeit euro banknotes, the European Commission is in charge of tackling counterfeit euro coins. As part of this duty, it closely monitors the evolution of counterfeit euro coins and releases headline figures on a yearly basis. Today's figures follow the publication from the ECB of the 2017 data for banknotes.
In 2017, almost 161,000 counterfeit euro coins were removed from circulation, representing an increase of 7% since 2016. In addition to this, around 31,000 euro coins were seized before circulation by the law enforcement authorities. The 2-euro coin denomination remains by far the most affected, representing more than 2 out of 3 counterfeit euro coins detected (72% of the total). The 50 euro cent coin is the second most counterfeited denomination (17% of the total), ahead of the of 1-euro coin (11% of the total).
Counterfeit euro coins detected in circulation, 2013 – 2017
|
Year |
50 cent |
1 euro |
2 euro |
Total |
|
2017 |
27 939 |
17 723 |
115 249 |
160 914 |
|
2016 |
25 357 |
18 754 |
106 141 |
150 258 |
|
2015 |
25 146 |
20 022 |
101 709 |
146 889 |
|
2014 |
36 004 |
24 851 |
131 340 |
192 195 |
|
2013 |
30 100 |
27 100 |
120 400 |
177 600 |
Counterfeit euro coins detected before circulation, 2013 – 2017
|
Year |
50 cent |
1 euro |
2 euro |
Total |
|
2017 |
0 |
1 |
31 058 |
31 059 |
|
2016 |
39 041 |
0 |
38 043 |
77 084 |
|
2015 |
1 |
4 |
15 |
20 |
|
2014 |
1 |
38 690 |
263 279 |
301 970 |
|
2013 |
160 |
360 |
30 501 |
31 051 |
The European Commission's policy with regard to anti-counterfeiting is based on four pillars: prevention, repression, training and cooperation. A combination of measures including legislation, technical analysis, law enforcement coordination and judicial cooperation have allowed Member States to make progress in removing counterfeit euro coins from circulation.
The Commission continues to cooperate with both the Member States and the credit institutions to facilitate and improve the implementation of Regulation (EU) No 1210/2010 on the authentication of euro coins and the handling of euro coins unfit for circulation. The positive results in the fight to counterfeiting also reflect the increased effectiveness in implementing this Regulation.
Background
Under EU rules (Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001), the Commission is responsible for the European Technical & Scientific Centre (ETSC). The ETSC analyses and classifies new types of counterfeit euro coins. It is established within DG ECFIN and also relies on the technical equipment and installations of the Monnaie de Paris (The French Mint).
The Commission cooperates closely with the European Central Bank, Europol, Interpol and the competent national authorities. The European Central Bank is responsible for analysing counterfeit euro banknotes. Europol and Interpol support the Member States’ law enforcement services in combating serious organised crime by facilitating the exchange of information and providing operational and strategic analysis.
The Commission is also responsible for implementing the "Pericles 2020" programme which provides training and technical assistance for competent national authorities to enable them to further improve the protection of euro banknotes and coins against counterfeiting.
Details
- Publication date
- 15 March 2018
- Location
- Brussels