In comparison to December 2000 almost 4% of all D-Mark banknotes are in circulation. Some of it may never come back. However, the Bundesbank has committed itself to exchanging D-Mark banknotes for an indefinite period. The logistical preparations for the introduction of euro banknotes and coins cash proved equally successful.
In order to smooth the final changeover, the banks were supplied with notes and coins in advance (front-loading). The banks, in turn, provided retailers with the new cash - a process known as sub-frontloading. Of course, special debiting models had to be applied for the credit institutions in order to limit the costs they incurred in the changeover.