0 Euro - Lourdes

The 0 euro souvenir note program was formalized under the UEEM specifically to exploit the legal grey zone of technically valid currency denominations that carry no spending obligation — collectible by design, never intended for exchange. Lourdes, drawing millions of Catholic pilgrims annually, was an obvious candidate for the series, and the 2018 issue targets that visitor market directly. Oberthur Fiduciaire printed the notes with the same security features used on genuine euro banknotes, including the distinctive feel of intaglio printing.