Storiascopio · Era 12 of 12 · lower secondary year 3
Euro notes and coins arrive
2002 · Frankfurt (European Central Bank) and the euro countries
In short
On 1 January 2002, in twelve European countries including Italy, euro coins and banknotes arrived in people's pockets. The new currency had already existed since 1999 for banks and electronic payments. In Italy one euro was worth 1,936.27 lire, and for two months people could pay with both. The banknotes are the same everywhere, while each country designs one side of its coins. Since 2026 there have been 21 euro countries.
Why it matters With a shared currency it is easier to travel and trade in Europe without changing money.
Source: European Union, Learning Corner, “Bulgaria joins euro: new chapter begins”; Banca d'Italia, “L'euro”
Where we are in the era “Today”
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
1953Event 18 of 252022
Your turn
Name ______________________ Class ______ Date __________
When did it happen? Find the date at the top and write it here:
Tell it in your own words: what happened?
Draw the scene below.
storiascopio.com/en/event/euro-notes-and-coins-arrive/ · free worksheet, you may photocopy it for your class