The Bank of Lithuania publishes statistics on counterfeit and damaged money. The information is updated every six months.
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In 2024 Lietuvos bankas examined and withdrew from circulation a total of 1,564 euro counterfeits (1,112 banknotes and 452 coins). Last year, 27% more counterfeit euro banknotes and 9% more counterfeit coins were found in Lithuania compared to 2023. The value of counterfeits amounted to €83,000, of which €854 was in coins. In 2023, 1,289 euro counterfeits were detected, consisting of 873 banknotes and 416 coins.
€50 and €100 banknotes were the most counterfeited, accounting for 43% and 28% respectively of the total number of counterfeits detected. €2 coins made up the majority of counterfeit coins, representing 90% of the total.
Counterfeit euro banknotes in Lithuania by denomination (2024)
According to the data from the European Central Bank, a total of 554,000 counterfeit banknotes were found in the euro area in 2024. However, the likelihood of receiving a counterfeit in the euro area remains low, as 18 counterfeits are detected per one million genuine banknotes in circulation.
Damaged money
22,000 damaged or worn banknotes and coins were exchanged at Lietuvos bankas, with a total value of approximately €897,000.
Exchanged banknotes and coins
Some of the banknotes exchanged by residents are torn, mouldy, decayed or burnt in furnaces and accidental fires. People sometimes find hidden and forgotten money under the floor, in door stands or old furniture. More information about the services can be found
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