Counterfeit euro banknotes in Germany fall 4.3 percent in H1 2026
The Deutsche Bundesbank detected 30,007 counterfeit euro banknotes with a face value of 1.75 million euros in Germany during the first half of 2026. This represents a 4.3 percent decline in fake notes and a 5.0 percent drop in financial losses compared to the previous half-year.
Fifty-euro notes retain top spot
During the first six months of 2026, counterfeit banknotes in Germany averaged seven fake notes per 10,000 inhabitants annually, according to Executive Board member Lutz Lienenkämper.
While total counterfeits fell, fake 100-euro notes increased by 61 percent to 5,043 pieces.
In contrast, 50-euro notes remained the most frequently counterfeited denomination at 14,222 pieces (47 percent of total fakes), despite a 6 percent decline.
Decreases occurred across other denominations: 20-euro notes fell 13 percent to 7,355, 10-euro notes fell 16 percent to 1,494, and 5-euro notes dropped 10 percent to 638. Simple fakes bearing prints like 'MovieMoney', 'Prop copy', or 'Facsimile' accounted for a higher proportion, lacking basic security features.
Two-euro pieces dominate fake coins
In contrast to banknotes, counterfeit coins rose by 8.6 percent in the first half of 2026 to 64,878 pieces, up from 59,700 in the previous period.
This corresponds to roughly 15 fake coins per 10,000 inhabitants per year.
Fake coins appeared exclusively in the three highest denominations, led by 2-euro pieces which accounted for 59,092 coins or 91.1 percent of the total.
Fake 1-euro coins totaled 5,615 (8.7 percent), while 50-cent fakes reached 171 pieces (0.3 percent).
The central bank advises checking money via tactile feel, visual inspection, and tilting features.
Low risk, persistent vigilance
The overall incidence of counterfeit money in Germany remains low and poses no systemic threat to cash usage.
However, the sharp increase in fake 100-euro notes shows that counterfeiters are adapting their tactics toward higher-value targets.
Everyday cash handlers must remain vigilant, as simple basic checks easily minimize individual loss.