What kinds of codes are used on Euro banknotes?
Two codes are imprinted on the Euro banknotes. The first, a serial number, is located on the back of each Euro banknote, in the upper right and lower left corners. Within this code are several algorithms which produce a checksum and check digit when certain formulas are applied to them for the purposes of verification. Because of the need for serial number verification, none of the serial numbers are consecutively numbered. The first part of the serial number is a letter, which identifies the issuing National Central Bank for that banknote. Within any one denomination, the whole of this code is not repeated. The second, a printer code, commonly termed ‘short code’ is located in various areas of each denomination on the front. This code identifies several aspects of the production process, including the printer, plate number and exact location of the banknote’s position on the printer plate. When these two codes are combined, the result is a unique code that is not reproduced within any
