100 Euro

The first-series euro notes were designed by Robert Kalina of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, whose winning entry in the 1996 ECB design competition depicted fictional architectural styles rather than real buildings — a deliberate political choice to avoid favouring any member state. The 100 euro, rendered in green, references Baroque and Rococo architecture.

Five distinct signature combinations exist on P#18, spanning a decade of ECB leadership changes. The Duisenberg/Domingo Solans pairing, confined to 2002, is the shortest-lived and the one collectors target first. Trichet's signature appears across three different executive board combinations as the ECB's chief economist position turned over twice during his presidency.