The Euro-the Second Biggest Currency in the World

On 1st January, 2002, twelve European countries started using the new Euro as their official currency. The Euro soon became the second biggest currency in the world. Introducing the Euro was not a simple matter. There were many things to consider. One problem was the design of the coins and notes. Usually, a currency is associated with one country only so it's easier to find images and symbols to put on the coins and notes. However, for the Euro, twelve different countries were involved, and each country was as keen as the other to be represented. The notes were designed by Robert Kalina of Austria and he developed an interesting solution to the problem. His designs show seven different periods in European architecture. However, instead of showing real, existing structures, he used photographs to make up imaginary structures that best represented the different architectureal styles. The fronts of the notes show windows or gates while the backs show bridges.