The euro sign, what is it?
We probably don’t have to tell you that in EU the currency is ‘the euro’ (€). This currency has been implemented in most countries of the European Union (currently 28 countries). When you travel to Europe you will be seeing the euro sign a lot. On the bank bills, the coins, the pricing of products, flags and many other places. But beside al those places you will also see it on the keyboards of European computers. It makes perfect sense as European folks use it a lot in their daily life. The euro sign itself represents the European Union. It is a unified symbol which has become globally known. You probably stumbled on our website searching for more information about the euro sign, or you want to know how to type that on your computer! You are in luck as we are going to explain everything about it we know. Keep reading..
The euro sign on keyboards
Many people have a hard time finding the euro sign/euro symbol on their keyboard. The main reason behind this is mainly because it seems to be a bit hidden. Most keyboards don’t display it on the keyboard buttons, but instead you can achieve typing it by doing a key-combination. The good thing about these key-combinations is that they are universal in the western world. So regardless of what keyboard you own, you can do them with the same combination of keys. How to type the euro sign on your keyboard depends much on what kind of computer you own. The method differs among Mac and Windows users, also some types of laptops tend to have their own way of achieving this. In the next sections we are going to explain how you can type the euro sign and use it in texts.
The euro sign on Mac
To type the euro sign on mac, or the euro symbol on mac as some may call it; You need to do a special key-combination. The combination is Alt + Shift + 2. You will need to hold your Alt key pressed, then press the shift (hold it pressed as well) and then the number 2. This will display the euro sign (€) wherever you are typing at this moment. Memorize this combination so you can do it again next time when you need it. This method is universal among Mac users. It does not matter what type or model Mac you have (MacBook pro, Mac desktop, etc.), it works on all of them the same way.
The euro sign on Windows
The most common computer users today are Windows users. In order to type the euro sign on Windows machines you will have two options. By two options I mean two different key-combinations to achieve this task.
The first way of typing the euro symbol on your Windows is by entering the following combination: AltGR + 5. This will display the euro sign(€) in your text editor.
The second way is to enter this combination: (left) Alt + 0128 (preferably on the numpad). The output should be the same as the first method.
The euro sign on Chromebook
Chromebook works pretty much like regular Windows PC’s. Only on Chromebook there is one key-combination which works. That is the (left) Alt + 0128 (preferably on the numpad) combination. Try it and if it does not work simply copy the euro sign here – €.
History and economical information about the Euro
When the European-Union was formed there were 32 different proposals for the Euro Sign. The proposals were soon reduced to 10 designs. From there a jury narrowed it down to just two designs. The identity of the true winner (designer) has never been revealed. Speculations are that a famous Belgian graphic designer is the owner of the design.
Inspiration for the design came from the Greek epsilon, which is the letter ‘E’ in a Greek ancient font. They added two horizontal stripes to it to represent the stability of the union.
The placement of the euro sign on prices and currencies vary in different countries. The Netherlands for example used to place their ‘gulden’ symbol before the figure of each price/unit. Ten euro is shown as €10 in the Netherlands. Other countries it is the exact opposite. They place the symbol behind the unit like such: 10€
A fun fact about the euro is that although it’s existence started on 1 January 1999 it has been a goal of the European Union and it’s predecessors since the 1960’s!
The currency was virtually formed and launched during late 1999, the currency notes and coins were released into circulation in the beginning of 2002. The release rapidly took over Europe resulting in more EU members to adapt the new currency.
