The Central Bank of Estonia published first-quarter 2026 cash circulation data showing that 7.6 million banknotes worth EUR 252.1 million and 1.7 million coins worth EUR 1.1 million were issued into circulation. Total cash issuance was 11% lower than in the previous quarter, mainly because fewer banknotes were issued, while coin issuance showed no notable change, reflecting typically lower cash demand at the start of the year. The EUR 50 note accounted for just over half of banknotes issued, and the five-cent coin made up 26% of coins issued. A total of 6 million banknotes worth EUR 203.4 million were returned to the central bank, 3% fewer than in the previous quarter. The EUR 50 note represented 43% of returned banknotes, and cash sorting led to the destruction of 2.5 million unfit notes, with the remainder returned to circulation. Commercial banks also returned 2.9 million circulation coins worth EUR 0.8 million, down 26% from the previous quarter, mainly because the Omniva and Central Bank of Estonia joint coin exchange service ended at the end of 2025. Cash withdrawals from automated teller machines (ATMs) totalled EUR 798 million across 4.5 million transactions in the quarter, with the number of withdrawals about 8% lower than a year earlier, while ATM cash deposits totalled EUR 419 million, down 5% year on year. Estonia had 661 ATMs, including 223 that accept deposits, plus cash services at 17 bank offices and about 700 shop tills from which cash can be withdrawn. The central bank also reported 167 kroon exchange transactions worth EUR 29,000, estimated that unreturned kroon notes and coins still total EUR 43.3 million, and noted that the Estonian Forensic Science Institute registered 70 counterfeit euro banknotes and 28 counterfeit coins in the quarter.
Central Bank of Estonia 2026-05-06
Central Bank of Estonia reports first quarter 2026 cash issuance fell 11% with 7.6 million banknotes worth EUR 252.1 million put into circulation
The Central Bank of Estonia published first-quarter 2026 cash circulation data showing issuance of 7.6 million banknotes worth EUR 252.1 million and 1.7 million coins worth EUR 1.1 million, down 11% from the previous quarter due mainly to lower banknote issuance. ATM cash withdrawals reached EUR 798 million and deposits EUR 419 million, both lower year on year, while the number of ATMs stood at 661 alongside cash services at 17 bank offices and about 700 shop tills. The central bank also reported ongoing kroon exchanges, an estimated EUR 43.3 million in unreturned kroon, and 70 counterfeit euro banknotes and 28 counterfeit coins.