Depending on the viewing angle, the architectural motif (gate or window) and the value numeral 500 interchange. When you tilt the banknote, concentric circles of prismatic colours move inward or outward through the hologram stripe.

The security thread can be seen as a dark line in the middle third of the banknote. In the security thread 500 EURO in small letters and "500" in microletters, alternating in normal writing and mirror writing.

Using a infrared display unit, in the right third of the banknote parts of the motif can be seen, whereas the rest of the motif is merely visible.

The paper is dull, the European flag glows in yellow or green, the stars of the flag are orange. In the middle of the banknote, parts of the circle of stars and small circles glow red. Fibers embedded in the paper glow in green, red and blue. The watermark is not visible.

At several places of the banknote motif, there is microlettering, which looks pin sharp even under a magnifying glass.

The copyright line has a feelable raised printing. All Euro banknotes, irrespective of date of production, bear the year 2002.

When you hold the banknote against the light, the value numeral 500 in the watermark is brighter than the surrounding paper. There is no dark outline around the numeral. When you lay down the banknote on a dark surface, the value numeral 500 appears to be darker than the surrounding paper. This effect can be seen from the reverse side laterally reversed.

When you hold the banknote against the light, the incomplete lines of the front and reverse side add to the value numeral 500. This effect can be seen from the reverse side laterally reversed.