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Economy

Spain phases out certain €50 banknotes due to counterfeiting concerns

Friday 04 April 2025 - 12:50

The Bank of Spain has declared that starting in April, specific €50 banknotes will no longer be accepted as legal tender across the nation.

While €50 and €20 notes remain widely used in Spain, this decision affects only those €50 banknotes that exhibit visible signs of tampering or damage from anti-theft systems. These notes have proven particularly vulnerable to counterfeiting and are frequently marked by ink stains resulting from security measures triggered during theft attempts.

The phased-out notes display irreversible ink stains in shades of purple or blue, alongside other unusual marks that deviate from normal wear and tear. Although these imperfections do not necessarily indicate that the banknotes are counterfeit, the Bank of Spain has mandated their withdrawal from circulation.

Consequently, retailers have been instructed not to accept these compromised banknotes. The Bank of Spain urges consumers to exercise caution when exchanging or withdrawing money, advising that any €50 notes suspected to be affected should be taken to a bank branch for assessment, with the possibility of reimbursement.

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