The National Bank of Slovakia published its status report on counterfeit euro cash recovered in Slovakia in 2024, recording 1,857 counterfeit euro banknotes and 3,113 counterfeit euro coins. Banknote recoveries were 9.4% higher than in 2023 and 82.7% (1,536) were detected in circulation, while counterfeit coin recoveries fell 8.8% and all were detected in circulation. Counterfeit banknotes recovered in 2024 were concentrated in the €20 and €50 denominations (547 and 546 respectively), followed by €100 (324), €10 (244), €200 (94), €500 (65) and €5 (37). For coins, counterfeit €2 pieces accounted for 93.4% of the total (2,908), with €1 at 157 and 50 cent at 48. The report notes that counterfeit banknote levels have been stable over the long term and relatively low compared with other euro area countries, and attributes the 2020 spike to a single police operation that seized 15,002 counterfeit banknotes before they entered circulation. For detection, the central bank reiterates the “feel, look and tilt” method for banknotes and recommends using a simple magnet and checking appearance, colour and (for €2 coins) edge lettering when assessing suspect coins.
National Bank of Slovakia 2025-02-21
National Bank of Slovakia reports 1,857 counterfeit euro banknotes and 3,113 counterfeit euro coins recovered in 2024
The National Bank of Slovakia reported 1,857 counterfeit euro banknotes and 3,113 counterfeit euro coins recovered in 2024, with banknote recoveries up 9.4% from 2023. Counterfeit €20 and €50 banknotes were most common, while €2 coins dominated counterfeit coin recoveries. The report highlights stable counterfeit banknote levels over time and advises using the "feel, look and tilt" method for detection.