I would say start your auction at 300 euros at ebay/other platforms and see how it goes. I think you should find a buyer easily. I found mine within 7 days
Condition of your bill could be in the range AU, i see some stains and that can hurt your top dollar offer. My banknote was pristine without single stain, sharp corners, no folds etc etc :-). Good luck with selling that 50 euros and making crazy profits
Of course you can withdraw. However you will maybe have to pay some fee for cancellation depending on platform you sell your item on, in case people make an offer. Best case, you start with higher value, 500 euros and see if you get any offers. If not, easy peasy to list the item again. Just go through ebay auction policies before you try to auction anything. I know they update things quite often.
Or you can put a fixed price and list the item regularly. See if there are any completed sales of euros with similar serial numbers and list your item accordingly with the price you think is the best without auctioning.
Apologies if I am missing something - as a collector/buyer wouldn't I would be looking at a serial number with all 4's?
Yes & no:
Twenty years ago, when the Euro was first introduced, this would have been thrown back into the wild without question because it's a near solid radar. Back then, you either had a special number or you didn't (& that 50 Euro wouldn't qualify). The majority of collectors wouldn't consider the # collectible because collecting isn't like horseshoes nor hand grenades (near misses don't count). Most collectors back then didn't collect high denominations special # either (tho 50 is a mid-high denomination these days).
However, after years of social media & Youtube propaganda (how to get rich from finding fancy numbers) attitudes have changed. NOTE: I wrote “fancy” which can be just about any number. If the note is a legitimate 50 (images like that aren't hard to photoshop) there will always be someone who will want a near miss (since Euros are numbered according to an algorithm formula, rather than sequential, & at least it would be a rare find since 9 out of the 10 digits are all 4's).
I am leaning towards strong yes in terms of collectability of this 50 euro note. It is extraordinarily rare to come by, especially with so many digits in serial. Only high denomination of usd with all same digits would be more desirable to me in terms of “hard currency” collecting. That tells you everything. You will DEFINITELY find a buyer. Euro is here to stay, and people are collecting euros.
Since i was handling money daily for years at a counter and i do pay attention to serials i have never came across with high denomination euros with serial numbers like this. This is like hitting home run. I know people in banks do take these kind of banknotes out of the fresh bundles and sell them to collectors or shops. The one you got is the one that was not harvested. If this banknote was in mint condition, i would pay more than 500 euros because i know that i will never encounter one selling online. They are THAT rare.
I thought Euro notes aren't consecutive so it might not even be possible.
-That's exactly how I felt @idolenz.
Numbering of Euros is algorithmic (not sequential) so the odds of this near solid actually happening is next to impossible. Where is the prefix? (Red flag #1) Why is only ¼ of the note in plastic (without the security features) shown? (Red flag #2) Why is the hand in front of the note (in focus) like a manicure model while the note itself is nearly out of focus (3rd strike)? The image smacks of a photoshop con job to entice naive buyers (4th red flag). I would be completely wary of such an image & the tone of the post is insincere. RED FLAGS abound on this thread & I am surprised the query was answered.
I have seen a number of fake photoshopped images to separate newbies of their hard earned money. They often start out like a newbie wondering how much their rare note (IMAGE) is worth. I detest unsavoury con artistry b/c it forever burns new collectors & they'll never return to the hobby. Speculation such as this is never positive for the hobby.
Then there's the questions re: what if the bids don't go high enough? Oh, okay just cancel your sale if it doesn't net you 500 Euros? Come on (red flags again)!
I do agree it is risky to buy this banknote for reasons mentioned above and i think there may be no buyers protection for some currency purchases on ebay. For some purchases there may be no returns. Of course i would ask any seller for full scans and would consider condition of the banknote first which is more important. I do always read terms and conditions.
But if everything would check out with this listing, i d bid. I am pretty sure that for example newer 100 dollar star note bill with all digits same in serial would fetch close to 5 k USD any time.
I understand Your concerns and mentioned red flags of my initial post @serial_number_8.
The reason why i took that photo like that was because of few posts I read where it was told not to show all the ‘info’ of the note BECAUSE of the counterfeiters.
As i said before, i have never had any experience with something like this.
But, since the first post, i have talked to few people, and there is no need of hiding something.
Europa series doesn't have country codes but printer codes. U is Banc de France, A stands for 1st issue B would be 2nd. The serial is valid but the banknote seems to be missing major anti counterfeit elements like posted above.
Now I am getting a bit confused. This is what I have and it just looked very much the same at the almost solid 4s note posted here, even including the watermark area.
Sine I have mentioned it here, anyone has the Greece in UNC condition, please let me know as I am looking for this piece too.
BTW, all 9 notes were bought from difference sellers, and to say these are fakes are very unlikely, in my opinion. All my notes are scanned with 300 dpi, and if you click onto the images, you can have a close inspection on the notes.
in Europe there are also fake banknotes circulating, they are very well made, they are made in Italy, in Naples if I remember correctly…
I would not disagree with your last statement. Unfortunately, fake notes are everywhere, and in this country, it's the $50 notes. Some fake notes are easy to detect and some are not. If that 4s note came from the ATM, it is most likely is a genuine one, in my opinion.
do not confuse the 1st generation and 2nd generation banknotes, I am attaching the photos, the bottom banknote is the one I have already posted the photo (2nd generation) and the top one (1st generation)
Yes, I am aware of the two, as I have both. The second generation (dated 2017) are printed on hybrid materials, and the first is just paper. Here are the two 1st generation notes that I have in my collection. These two are also genuine notes. as the T prefix note came directly from the Bank of Ireland back in 2002, and the V prefix note came from a collector in Italy in 2003. It's a pity that the Bank of Ireland did not print the 200 euro, or else, I would have a full set for the first generation series.
on yours you can see the security thread that crosses France and Spain, your banknotes are correct, no inconsistencies, you collect all the euro banknotes?
Oh no, I don't. The Euro is a strong currency and as such is just like the USD. I collect them in the early 2002 was due to that they were newly issues, and the intention was to get a full set, regardless of which bank. The Central Bank of Ireland in those days print all denominations, except the 200 euro, I got all the T prefix notes for the 2002, but not the 200 euro. Instead they gave me the Austrian note with N prefix. That was a bit disappointed then. Like the USD, to collect Euro, you have to go for all prints, and that will definitely break my bank. I went for the current 20, 50 and 100 euro because they are all printed in hybrid materials. I am missing the current 200 euro, not a single piece.
on yours you can see the security thread that crosses France and Spain, your banknotes are correct, no inconsistencies, you collect all the euro banknotes?
Oh no, I don't. The Euro is a strong currency and as such is just like the USD. I collect them in the early 2002 was due to that they were newly issues, and the intention was to get a full set, regardless of which bank. The Central Bank of Ireland in those days print all denominations, except the 200 euro, I got all the T prefix notes for the 2002, but not the 200 euro. Instead they gave me the Austrian note with N prefix. That was a bit disappointed then. Like the USD, to collect Euro, you have to go for all prints, and that will definitely break my bank. I went for the current 20, 50 and 100 euro because they are all printed in hybrid materials. I am missing the current 200 euro, not a single piece.
on yours you can see the security thread that crosses France and Spain, your banknotes are correct, no inconsistencies, you collect all the euro banknotes?
Oh no, I don't. The Euro is a strong currency and as such is just like the USD. I collect them in the early 2002 was due to that they were newly issues, and the intention was to get a full set, regardless of which bank. The Central Bank of Ireland in those days print all denominations, except the 200 euro, I got all the T prefix notes for the 2002, but not the 200 euro. Instead they gave me the Austrian note with N prefix. That was a bit disappointed then. Like the USD, to collect Euro, you have to go for all prints, and that will definitely break my bank. I went for the current 20, 50 and 100 euro because they are all printed in hybrid materials. I am missing the current 200 euro, not a single piece.
I understand Your concerns and mentioned red flags of my initial post @serial_number_8.
The reason why i took that photo like that was because of few posts I read where it was told not to show all the ‘info’ of the note BECAUSE of the counterfeiters.
As i said before, i have never had any experience with something like this.
But, since the first post, i have talked to few people, and there is no need of hiding something.
I just was a bit cautious.
I understand that you are not here to scam people :-). I do have all notes from 5 to 500 euros in collection and am the one collecting hard currency :-). Yes, one large security thread is missing and colors are a bit off but I am still not completely convinced it is a counterfeit. Why? Because i see your note is having proper watermark. All my Europa notes have this large stripe thread which other collectors mentioned and I have checked them under uv light.
If you would list this on ebay with front and back picture scan, no one would bother to do anything until they receive item. But the issue then is that pay pal will not cover buyers and if the note is fake and you didnt mention it is a prop or replica, you may have serious legal issues. You can always ask someone who works in a bank if you have some faulty banknote. I even replaced torn euros before.
These kind of banknotes do exist but are laying under lock and key in safe. I know that for a fact. All bundles are opened, counted, let into circulation. Among people in financial institutions there is good amount of collectors too. For example i know people who still handle german marks and always find something interesting.
I might suggest that since you are living in a Euro zone, have the note inspected by a local dealer and see what they have to say. Perhaps, they can even tell you how much it is worth too, if is a real deal.
Getting a solid note with 6 digits is already hard. To get one with 9 digits of the same is even harder, if this note is genuine.
In general, counterfeit euros are very rare. They removed 500 euros from circulation because of terrorism and because of spanish counterfeiters. I think in 2020 there were less than half million counterfeit euro banknotes discovered in total. Nowadays even less than that.
Here's a chap who found a 100 Euro with a “W” prefix. I followed this person's story a few years ago. He eventually submitted the note to PMG who then verified it as an extremely convincing counterfeit. If you follow the CCF thread you will see how convincing this note is. I have seen a number of counterfeits personally myself & they're simply jaw-dropping in detail. One (amusing thing) I feel is that they often have the wrong prefix, or rush the serial number off (or all the numbers are the same).
It would be impossible to determine whether the OP's note is counterfeit or not from pictures. I was put off by the partially obscured image & that was what set off the red flags for me. Seeing the full back of the note helps so thanks KasparsP for providing that. I don't, however, believe that settles the question & agree with @ahkai that it would be prudent to show the note to an experienced currency dealer for a 2nd opinion. The only thing that would settle my suspicions would be certification by PMG (since they have the staff/resources to examine the security features & ultimately chase down the providence of the note). If the note is legit than that is a monster find KasparsP & congrats!
Here's a great IBNS sponsored video on how to detect counterfeits. Note that watermarks are easily created by the better forgers.
1. Anything with nominal value more than 200 euros should be graded in UNC or aUNC for me to buy
2. Always check instructions from central bank of country for counterfeit detection for any banknote if possible
3. Read numista or standard catalog of world paper money. They are more than enough elaborate
4. Smell the banknote, feel if needed
5. Depending on where they are printed, they may share properties of paper with some other banknotes.
6. Check the quality and type of print with loupe for older banknotes
Speaking of euro counterfeits, they literally always mess up the front. Holograms look like crap from Pokemon cards most of the time. Under UV light there are no doubts which note is real. Simple dark room and uv flashlight are enough. Speaking of serial numbers, these are easy to check and this serial is completely legit.
If this 50 euro banknote is legit and has no security thread on the back (error), with this serial number, it is mindblowingly rare.
1. Anything with nominal value more than 200 euros should be graded in UNC or aUNC for me to buy
2. Always check instructions from central bank of country for counterfeit detection for any banknote if possible
3. Read numista or standard catalog of world paper money. They are more than enough elaborate
4. Smell the banknote, feel if needed
5. Depending on where they are printed, they may share properties of paper with some other banknotes.
6. Check the quality and type of print with loupe for older banknotes
Excellent rules of thumb xrp! I especially like #4 because feeling the paper's texture is hugely helpful & if you smelled freshly minted money you know that odour (which is very tough for the criminals to reproduce unless they've stolen the paper). Unfortunately, there have been Euro paper thefts (& the paper comes with the security strips) so there have been some pretty mind-blowing counterfeits produced in the past. You're also correct about the fonts used (often off). I won't be surprised if ECB switch to polymer in their next design since the possibility of counterfeiting polymer becomes that much more difficult.
Taking a potentially fake banknote to one of the Euro System Central Banks is a risky business - because you could end up with the note being confiscated and you facing a fine or worse for possessing a fake banknote.
Bearing in mind how Euro banknotes are printed and numbered, it is highly unlikely that this note could have been a solitary ‘W’ banknote, there would have been many others with a ‘W’ prefix. So it is again highly unlikely that one single note escaped scrutiny at the printing/numbering stage. This means that there would be many others with a ‘W’ prefix - so you might ask yourself why no others have come to light in the last few year of so.
As previous replies have indicated there should be a printers code on the banknote - why note send them a scan of the note, highlighting the code and see what they have to say about it…………
Taking a potentially fake banknote to one of the Euro System Central Banks is a risky business - because you could end up with the note being confiscated and you facing a fine or worse for possessing a fake banknote.
Bearing in mind how Euro banknotes are printed and numbered, it is highly unlikely that this note could have been a solitary ‘W’ banknote, there would have been many others with a ‘W’ prefix. So it is again highly unlikely that one single note escaped scrutiny at the printing/numbering stage. This means that there would be many others with a ‘W’ prefix - so you might ask yourself why no others have come to light in the last few year of so.
As previous replies have indicated there should be a printers code on the banknote - why note send them a scan of the note, highlighting the code and see what they have to say about it…………
Hi.
I don't care about it being confiscated if it's fake. Of course, I would be more than sad of loosing 50Eur, but then i would know. And why would i be facing a fine or worse, if i want to get authentication on a banknote that i possess? I understand if i would want to use it for buying or for paying for something - then it's a scam and it's a punishable matter, but to get punished for a banknote that i have and would like to know if it's legit, that doesn't seem logical.
Can You please tell me what You mean by ‘W’'prefix?
Possesion of fake banknote is not a crime. In some occasions people even dont know that they may have one. You have nothing to worry about.
As far as serial number goes, this banknote is legit. It may miss some safety features, but that could be due to low quality of picture, because i can obviously see the watermark. High quality scan + uv light check with strong uv lamp >10W power should be enough to verify it. Any decent buyer/seller has these.
Can You please tell me what You mean by ‘W’'prefix?
You have to follow this link I provided which explains that a collector found/reports a 2002 100 Euro with an unseen “W” prefix on CCF. NO nation issues a “W” prefix & if you follow the link & look at his photos he takes using an UV light you will be amazed. The note has UV effects & a watermark too! I was convinced the note was legitimate & saw further posts he made on PMG. He submitted the note & they examined it & told him it was one of the best reproductions they have seen!
I just followed the PMG link today & a lot of the comments have been removed so perhaps they've retracted their judgement/statement. (Perhaps it was an internal test note which slipped out of the plant). I don't know, but there were a number of reports of fantastic 1st series counterfeits coming out of Italy (& elsewhere). That's why they have the design upgrades & that leads the forgers back to the drawing board. Another Euro design upgrade is in the works (which implies fakes have become a problem again).
But having wrote all that, I honestly doubt your 50 is a fake: it is just a possibility since the odds of getting a near solid in itself seems astronomical considering the # of digits. The best way to find out is to get a 2nd opinion (if you can) as others have suggested.
