European Union / Austria – 500 Euro Banknote | 2002 Issue | PMG 66 EPQ

European Union / Austria – 500 Euro Banknote | 2002 Issue | PMG 66 EPQ | UNC | P#19An | Series Prefix “N”

The European Union / Austria 500 Euro 2002 banknote with Series Prefix “N”, cataloged as P#19An, and certified PMG 66 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) is an elite, investment-grade example of one of the Eurozone’s most important and now-discontinued high-denomination banknotes. In PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ, this Austrian-issued note sits at the top tier of collectible euro currency—rare, pristine, and highly desirable among world banknote enthusiasts and investors alike.

🇦🇹 Prefix “N”—Austria’s Issuance Signature

Euro notes use alphabetical prefixes to identify their issuing country.
For this note:

• Prefix: N
• Country: Austria
• Authority: Österreichische Nationalbank (Austrian National Bank)

Austria-issued €500 notes are notably scarcer than those of major eurozone economies like Germany or Spain. This makes the Prefix “N” examples particularly sought-after in high grades.

About the 2002 500 Euro Note (P#19An)

The 2002 series was the first generation of euro banknotes released across the Eurozone. The €500 note represented the highest denomination in circulation and was used primarily for:

• High-value private and commercial transactions
• Bank transfers
• Institutional cash reserves
• International business operations

In 2019, the European Central Bank halted all production of €500 notes due to concerns over misuse in illicit finance. Although still legal tender, they are no longer printed, and banks increasingly remove them from circulation.

This discontinuation has boosted their long-term collectibility—especially high-grade and first-year (2002) issues.

Design & Symbolism

Designed by Robert Kalina, the 500 Euro note reflects the Modern 20th Century Architecture theme, representing innovation, openness, and progress in Europe.

Front (Obverse)

• Contemporary architectural motif symbolizing the modern era
• European flag and ECB identifiers
• Signature of the first ECB President, depending on printing variety
• Primary color: Royal purple

Reverse (Reverse)

• Modern bridge illustration representing connection and unity
• European map highlighting geographic cohesion
• Multiple anti-counterfeit features are integrated into the artwork

Advanced Security Features

As the highest denomination of the first euro series, this note includes sophisticated security elements:

• Hologram stripe
• Color-shifting numeral
• Watermark portrait & doorway motif
• UV and infrared-reactive fibers
• Raised intaglio printing
• Microtext & embedded security thread

These elements make it one of the most secure high-value notes ever issued.

PMG 66 EPQ – Why This Grade Matters

A PMG 66 EPQ (Gem Uncirculated – Exceptional Paper Quality) rating confirms:

• No circulation wear
• Superb strike with strong paper integrity
• Deep color and original embossing
• Perfect margins with sharp corners
• No handling marks visible to the naked eye
• Full originality—no washing, pressing, or restoration

A Gem 66 EPQ sits at the high end of the grading scale, making this piece ideal for investment and long-term preservation.

Market Value & Demand

The combination of:

• Austria prefix “N.”
• First-year 2002 issue
• Discontinued €500 denomination
• PMG 66 EPQ certification

creates strong collector and investor demand.

Estimated Market Range:
⭐ $800 – $1,300+ USD depending on population rarity
Premiums rise sharply for GEM 66–68 EPQ Austrian examples, as fewer were printed relative to larger Eurozone nations.

Why Collect This Note?

• High-denomination euro note no longer printed
• Austrian Prefix “N” is scarcer and more desirable
• Top-tier PMG Gem 66 EPQ grade enhances long-term value
• Represents the first-ever Euro Series (2002)
• Strong investment potential as bank withdrawal increases supply scarcity
• Highly collectible worldwide due to aesthetic and historical significance

This note stands as one of the finest examples of modern European currency available to the collector market.

Final Summary

The European Union / Austria 500 Euro 2002 PMG 66 EPQ (P#19An) Prefix “N” is a remarkably high-quality, first-issue, discontinued high-denomination euro banknote. With Gem Uncirculated certification and the added rarity of Austrian issuance, this piece represents both a beautiful collectible and a compelling long-term currency investment.