Dutch banks on Wednesday started issuing the new 20 euro banknotes which the European central bank says are ‘more resistant’ to counterfeiting.

The new note has more vibrant colours, and includes a new kind of security feature: a ‘portrait window’ near the top of the hologram stripe which becomes transparent when seen against the light.

The window reveals a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology, which is visible on both sides of the note.

The old 20 euro notes will remain legal tender but are gradually being withdrawn from circulation. Five and 10 euro notes have already been replaced.