Could Cervantes Feature on the New €50 Note? Euro Banknote Redesign Proposals Revealed

A New Look for the Euro — and Spain's Greatest Author in the Frame

A proposal to redesign euro banknotes has put Miguel de Cervantes — author of Don Quixote and one of the most celebrated writers in the history of world literature — forward as a candidate for the redesigned €50 note.

The €50 is the most widely used denomination in everyday eurozone transactions, making it the most visible of all euro banknotes. Featuring Cervantes on it would represent a significant statement about Spain's place in European cultural heritage — and a major departure from the design philosophy that has governed euro banknotes since their introduction.

What the Current Notes Look Like — and Why This Would Be Different

Since euro banknotes first entered circulation in 2002, they have deliberately avoided depicting real people. Instead, the notes feature abstract architectural imagery — windows, gateways and bridges — designed to "represent cooperation and openness across the eurozone without highlighting any single country."

The intention was to create a currency that felt genuinely European rather than tied to any one nation's history or identity. Introducing historical figures would mark a fundamental shift in that philosophy — moving toward celebrating shared cultural heritage rather than avoiding national associations.

Why Cervantes?

Cervantes is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Spanish literature — and among the most important writers in all of European culture. His novel Don Quixote, published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, is frequently cited as the first modern novel and one of the greatest works of fiction ever written.

Crucially, Cervantes died on April 23, 1616 — the same date as William Shakespeare — a coincidence that has made the day a globally recognised celebration of literature (World Book Day). His cultural significance extends well beyond Spain, making him a plausible choice for a currency used across 20 countries.

Where Things Stand

It is important to be clear about the current status of these proposals. The European Central Bank has not publicly endorsed any specific individuals for the redesign, and no official list of final candidates has been confirmed. Design discussions remain in early proposal stages, with multiple directions still being evaluated.

Any final decision will go through a formal ECB selection and approval process — and any new notes, once designed, would only apply to future note series. All existing euro banknotes would remain valid currency.

For residents and expats across Spain and the eurozone, the prospect of seeing a recognisable cultural figure — and particularly one as closely associated with Spanish identity as Cervantes — on the most commonly used banknote is a story worth watching as the ECB's redesign process develops.

This article is based on reporting from Euro Weekly News, published April 25, 2026. No final ECB decisions on banknote design have been confirmed.