Authorisation for reproduction of banknotes

“Reproduction” means any tangible or intangible image that shows all or part of a banknote. This includes parts of its individual design elements such as colour, dimensions, letters or symbols, which may look like or give the general impression of a genuine banknote.

Only reproductions meeting certain criteria will be authorised, to ensure that the general public can distinguish them from genuine banknotes.

Reproduction of euro banknotes

As a general rule, reproductions will be considered lawful if they meet the following criteria:

•  Physical reproductions, provided that:
  • In the case of one-sided reproductions, they are equal to or greater than 125% of both the length and width of the original banknote, or are equal to or less than 75% of both the length and the width of the original.
  • In the case of two-sided reproductions, they are equal to or more than 200% of both the length and width of the original banknote, or are equal to or less than 50% of both the length and width of the original.
  • Reproductions of individual design elements are not depicted on a background resembling a banknote.
  • In the case of one-sided reproductions depicting a part of the front or back of a euro banknote, that part is smaller than one-third of the original front or back of the euro banknote.
  • They are made of a material clearly different from paper.
• Intangible reproductions made available electronically on websites or by similar means, provided that:
  • the word SPECIMEN is incorporated diagonally across the reproduction, in Arial or similar font, and in a non-transparent colour, contrasting with the dominant colour of the respective euro banknote. In addition, the length of the word SPECIMEN must be at least 75% of the length of the reproduction, and its height at least 15% of the width of the reproduction.
  • The resolution of the electronic reproduction in its 100% size does not exceed 72 dots per inch (dpi).
  • Reproductions of individual design elements are not depicted on a background resembling a banknote

Reproductions of peseta banknotes and coins

Reproductions of peseta banknotes and coins will be considered lawful if they meet the following criteria:

• The reproduction must be noticeably larger or smaller than the original. This criterion is considered to be met when the reproduction is more than twice or less than half the size of the original banknote or coin.
• A single reproduction may depict the front or back of the banknote but never both.
• In the case of coins, physical reproductions may not be made of metal, alloys or any rigid or semi-rigid materials.
• Advertising material may not consist of texts or images, in any form, adhered to or impressed on original banknotes or coins.

Peseta reproductions do not require the authorisation of the central, regional or local governments. Nor do they require the authorisation of public law entities with their own legal personality linked to or controlled by any of the aforementioned public authorities.

Procedure for: Any natural o legal person wishing to use reproductions of euro or peseta banknotes, or peseta coins.