In what year did the euro become physical cash?

The euro became physical cash in 2002.

Euro banknotes and coins entered circulation on 1 January 2002, beginning the largest currency changeover Europe had attempted. People in the participating countries could then pay with the new cash, while national currencies were gradually withdrawn and exchanged during short dual-circulation periods.

This date is different from 1999, when the euro was introduced electronically and as an accounting unit for banking, financial markets and government debt. The earlier launch fixed participating currencies' exchange rates and made the euro the official monetary unit, but it did not put euro notes or coins into ordinary wallets.

The cash changeover required enormous preparation. Around 7.4 billion banknotes and 38.2 billion coins were produced for the initial launch, and banks distributed starter kits of coins to familiarize the public with the new denominations. By March 2002, the euro had broadly replaced the original members' former national currencies.