The likelihood of receiving a counterfeit euro banknote or coin when using cash in Slovenia remains relatively low. In cooperation with the police, we have found that the number of counterfeit banknotes withdrawn from circulation increased slightly last year compared to 2023, while the number of counterfeit coins decreased. But the number of counterfeits remains very low compared with the total number of euro banknotes and coins in circulation in Slovenia, and well below the long-term average. There is a similar finding with regard to the total face value of counterfeit euros detected in Slovenia, which rose last year but remained low.
Banka Slovenije would like to emphasise that the likelihood of receiving counterfeit euro cash remains relatively low. The number of counterfeit euro banknotes and coins compared with the total number in circulation in Slovenia remains very low, and down on its pre-pandemic level. It should also be noted here that passing counterfeits for payment is a criminal offence.
A total of 1,181 counterfeit euro banknotes and 6,665 counterfeit euro coins were withdrawn from circulation last year in Slovenia. The number of counterfeit banknotes was up by 73 (7%) on the previous year, while the number of counterfeit coins was down by 1,025 (13%). While the €2 coin remains the most frequently counterfeited coin (accounting for over 92% of all counterfeit coins), the number of withdrawn €10, €20 and €200 counterfeit banknotes increased in 2024. The total value of counterfeit euro cash detected increased by 7.4%, to €123,009.
Together with the ECB and the other national central banks in the euro area, Banka Slovenije reminds consumers that they can check the authenticity of euro banknotes using the simple feel, look and tilt method, as described in detail on the Banka Slovenije and ECB websites. If you are given a suspicious banknote or coin, compare it directly with one that you know is genuine. If your suspicion is confirmed, inform the police without delay.
The number of counterfeit banknotes in the euro area as a whole remains very low compared with the number of authentic banknotes in circulation. In 2024, only 18 counterfeits were discovered per million of genuine banknotes in circulation, which is significantly lower than in the years immediately following the introduction of the euro.