Over the past few months, Banco de Portugal has placed in circulation several collection currencies, some with a facial value of 2 € and 5 €. Although they are legitimate, it is not common to find them on a daily basis, which raises questions to consumers about their use. The Deco Proteste Consumer Protection Organization clarifies the care to be taken.
According to Deco Proteste, a commemorative current currency of two euros was recently issued with the inscription “Sustainable Development”, noting the National Day of Sustainability celebrated on 25 September.
Already in June had been put in circulation another coin of two euros scheduled for this year. These coins were distributed through banks, credit institutions, Banco de Portugal treasures and National Press stores – House of Mint.
Five euros coins do not replace notes
Over 2024 six coins of five euros were also issued, among others of facial value of 2 and 7.50 euros. However, according to Deco Proteste, the emission of these coins does not imply replacement of five euros notes. In addition, its circulation will be uncommon, as they were produced in reduced quantities.
False news and risks of counterfeit
At the end of 2024 news came about a supposed collection coin dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, but were false. If you receive a collection currency such as payment or change, it is essential to check your authenticity.
The characteristics of each of these coins are available on the Banco de Portugal website. To detect any counterfeits, Deco Proteste recommends analyzing reliefs, edges and magnetic properties, without depending on one detail just.
The five euros coins issued this year have the same value as the notes of the same amount. As the organization recalls, they can be used in current payments or exchanged at Banco de Portugal.
Who is obliged to accept?
If you receive a collection coin in a payment, it has a legal course and can be used, but there are rules. Economic operators, such as supermarkets or other establishments, cannot refuse these coins. The individual consumer is not required to accept them. Banco de Portugal advises, if you do not intend to receive collection coins, to politely ask for another means of payment.
There is still a legal limit: no one is required to accept, in one transaction, more than 50 coins, whether current or collection.
Is it worth buying collection coins?
The purchase of collection currencies does not imply risk if it is done by its facial value. “If you buy the five euros coin for five euros, the risk is null.
It may even get an asset in the future, in the future, there is those who pay more for it, ”explains the. Otherwise, they can always use them to pay for purchases or exchange them at Banco de Portugal.
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