NBU named the most popular banknote among counterfeiters: which hryvnias are most often counterfeited

In Ukraine, the most frequently counterfeited banknotes are the old-style 500-hryvnia banknotes. At the same time, in the first nine months of 2026, the number and total amount of detected counterfeit money decreased threefold compared to the same period last year.

This was reported by the NBU in response to a journalistic request.

Which banknotes are most frequently counterfeited

According to the NBU, during January-September 2026, 78% of all counterfeit banknotes withdrawn from circulation were old-style hryvnia banknotes.

The largest share among the detected counterfeits was:

500 hryvnia – 61% of the total number of counterfeits;

200 hryvnia – 11%;

20, 50 and 100 hryvnia – together 6%.

Counterfeiters especially often counterfeit banknotes in the 2006 model of 500 hryvnia.

At the same time, modern banknotes have a significantly higher level of protection, which makes them more difficult to counterfeit.

The number of counterfeit hryvnias has decreased significantly

The National Bank notes that the situation with counterfeiting of the national currency has improved.

According to the results of 2025, there were approximately 1.7 counterfeit banknotes per million genuine hryvnia banknotes.

This is the lowest annual figure since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

For comparison, in previous years the figures were as follows:

2024 – 5.1 counterfeit banknotes per million genuine ones;

2023 – 2.1;

2022 – 2.2;

2021 – 7.1.

In addition, during the first nine months of 2026, the number and amount of counterfeit banknotes seized decreased by approximately three times compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

Why are new hryvnias harder to counterfeit

The NBU explains that modern banknotes issued in 2014–2019 have an enhanced security system.

In particular, special banknote paper, a protective tape with window elements, and an optically variable SPARK element are used during their production.

The latter changes color depending on the angle of the banknote, and the image on it creates the effect of movement.

According to the results of 2025, banknotes of the new sample accounted for only 10% of the total number of counterfeits removed from the banking system.

For every million genuine banknotes of the new sample, there were approximately 0.2 counterfeit banknotes.

There are fewer counterfeits in Ukraine than in the European Union

According to the European Central Bank, in 2025, there were about 14 counterfeits per million genuine euro banknotes in the EU countries.

For comparison, in Ukraine this figure was 1.7 counterfeit banknotes per million genuine ones.

Thus, according to the statistics provided, the level of detected counterfeiting of the hryvnia was more than eight times lower than the corresponding figure for the euro.

How to check the authenticity of a banknote

When receiving cash, you should pay attention to the main protective elements of the hryvnia.

First of all, you should check the relief of individual images, the presence of watermarks, a protective tape and elements that change color when the banknote is tilted.

If a banknote is in doubt, it can be transferred to a bank for verification of authenticity in accordance with the established procedure.

The NBU emphasizes that modern hryvnia banknotes have a high level of protection, and the total number of detected counterfeits remains relatively low.