The number of counterfeit euro coins removed from circulation in 2016 increased by 8.69% compared to the year before. In 2016 a total of 150,258 fake euro coins were detected in circulation. In addition to this, 77,084 counterfeit euro coins were seized before entering circulation by law enforcement authorities. The 2-euro denomination remains by far the most affected by this criminal activity, representing more than 2 out of 3 counterfeit euro coins detected. Despite the fact that the proportion of counterfeit 50 euro cent coins decreased, the coin remained in second position, from the quantity point of view  (17.1% of the total), with the of 1-euro coins following (13.6% of the total). A combination of preventive measures including legislation, technical analysis, law enforcement coordination and judicial cooperation have allowed Member States to make progress in removing counterfeit euro coins from circulation. A comprehensive legal framework exists at the European level for the protection of the euro. It consists of administrative, training and criminal law and authentication measures.