Frontloading and sub-frontloading of euro banknotes and coins  The introduction of euro banknotes and coins means an unprecedented logistical challenge for all parties involved; 14.25 billion banknotes and 50.1 billion coins have to be produced. Banknotes and coins have to be distributed. The European Central Bank (ECB) aims to contribute to making this exercise as smooth as possible.
The ECB has decided that the frontloading and sub-frontloading of euro banknotes and coins can start as of 1 September 2001. Frontloading is the advance distribution of euro banknotes and coins to those credit institutions that are counterparties for monetary policy operations within the Eurosystem.