The Greek designer behind one of the euro’s possible new faces

A Greek designer with over 250 postage stamps to her credit is vying to design the next euro banknotes. Myrsini Vardopoulou, who has spent more than 20 years creating stamps for Hellenic Post, is no stranger to designing for mass circulation. Her work has featured themes from the Olympic Games to literature and communication. Now, she is leading Design E, one of ten proposals shortlisted by the European Central Bank for its new euro series. Citizens in the euro area can vote for their preferred design until September 21, with the ECB’s governing council expected to make a final decision by the end of the year. The winning design will be incorporated into the currency used by millions. Vardopoulou’s design for the €20 note depicting Marie Curi, the pioneering Polish-French physicist and chemist The ten shortlisted proposals from the ECB focus on two main themes.

One explores European culture through iconic figures like Maria Callas, Ludwig van Beethoven and Miguel de Cervantes. The other highlights rivers and birds as symbols of freedom and unity, reflecting Europe’s connection to nature. Design E falls under the cultural theme but takes a unique approach, prioritising the contributions of individuals over their fame. This distinction is key; instead of celebrating well-known figures, the design centres on their work. Using a circular visual language and various symbols, it aims to create an intellectual space where ideas, knowledge and culture converge. The ECB notes that the diversity of represented individuals can inspire a reconnection with evolving cultural values. The back of the hundred euro note In essence, Design E poses a simple question: what unites Europeans despite their varied cultures and histories? The answer lies in the shared value of ideas and human…