15 Coolest Currencies In The World and Amazing Story Behind Them

By Sumana Chakraborty, 20 May 2018

Nowadays, people cannot think of living without currencies. It's one of the most important objects that we need on a daily basis. You will be amazed to know that the designs of the currencies have been renovated continuously. Today, we are going to explore some of the coolest currencies in the world. You couldn’t even imagine that once these currencies really existed in this world. Take a look.

1 Krona– the currency of Iceland

It’s a common belief that Iceland is a part of Europe and uses the Euro as their prime currency just like the other European countries. That’s not true. Iceland uses a peculiar type of currency called Krona. The other currencies have either pictures of flowers and animals. In contrast, the Icelandic Krona pays tribute to historical characters and yesteryear artists. Some of the notes carry art pieces such as drawing, painting, embroidery, etc.

Image Source: penize.cz

2Colon –the currency of Costa Rica

Colon is the most fascinating paper currencies of the world. On one side, it pays homage to the great personalities who brought positive changes in their history. It has a great significance. On the reverse side, it depicts the variety of flora and fauna species living on the Costa Rica Island.

Image Source: www.pinsdaddy.com

3Comorian Franc – the currency of Comoros

After getting independence from French rule, Comoros printed its own paper bills. The Comorian Franc is still linked to Euro currency as a part of the African French community. These bills are a mirror to the history and the traditions. A wide range of species found in Comoros.

Image Source: www.e-allmoney.com

4Pacific Franc – the currency of Tahiti Islands

Tahiti Islands is an independent country located in South Pacific Ocean. Unlike the dull and mundane look of Euro, Pacific Franc is personified by its elegance. The obverse side is entirely set aside for any of its four territories (New Caledonia, Wallis, Futuna and French Polynesia). The reverse side bears pictures of flora and fauna in this region and the numerous facets of Polynesian culture.

Image Source: wikipedia.org

5Rand – the currency of South Africa

One side of the South African currency is dedicated to Nelson Mandela, the father of the country’s freedom struggle. The other side has pictures of the five most commonly found animals in the South African jungles. The South African coins show the unique flora and fauna of this country, hence, recognized to be one of the coolest currencies in the world.

Image Source: banknotes.com

6Florin – the currency of Aruba

Aruba is an independent island on the Venezuela coastline. Florin is regarded as a link between past and present. On one side it contains geometrical shapes reminiscent of the pre-Columbian era. On the other side, it shows a different animal such as rattlesnake, conch, owls, frogs, fish, etc. This combination is truly rare.

Image Source: oldcurrencyexchange.com

7The Cook Islands Dollar – the currency of Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Tourists to this country collect this currency as a token of their visit. The $2 coin has pictures of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and a simple table on the other side. That is why this currency is one of the coolest currencies in the world.

Image Source: robertsworldmoney.com

810 Yen - currency of Hong Kong during Japanese occupation

Japanese military yen was the currency of Hongkong for a brief period of time. Japanese ruled HongKong for three years and eight months before the culmination of second world war. They replaced the Hong Kong dollar with Japanese yen. However, Hong Kong dollar came back in circulation after the war.

Image Source: pinterest.com

95 pounds note- the currency of Northern Ireland

What makes this 5-pound note special is the picture of Northern Ireland soccer star George Best and Manchester United club. This was an exclusively printed note with only one million such notes in circulation and can only be used in selected stores. This 5-pound note was issued as a tribute to commemorate the legendary soccer star George Best.

Image Source: www.emerald-isle-gifts.com

10 One Hundred trillion dollars note from Zimbabwe

Sometimes it sounds strange, but this is absolutely true. During the great economic recession in 2008, Zimbabwe was in a state of turmoil. Inflation was at a staggering high of 231 percent, and single bread loaf was sold for 300 billion Zimbabwean dollars. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe issued these notes till January 2009 only. Now it can be bought from Amazon website for USD 1.25.

Image Source: zimbabwedollars.net

11100 pfennig – emergency notes issued by Germany

Similar to the hyperinflation saga in Zimbabwe, an emergency period after the First World War rocked the German economy. To support regular business, the German government issued this currency made up of ceramic, wood, leather and paper sheets. These notes contained cultural pictures ranging from romantic folklore to social satire.

Image Source: www.papermoneymarket.com

1250 Kapeek – the currency of Belarus

Inflation in the early nineties saw sharp devaluation in the currency of Belarus – the Rouble. This 50 Kapeek note features a red squirrel. Other banknotes issued by the Belarus government had pictures of bears, wolves, etc. You’ll never find a currency with squirrel’s picture hence this one is also recognized to be one of the coolest currency.

Image Source: banknotes.com

13Five Lirot – the currency of Israel

This Five Lirot note was printed in 1968 to honor the great scientist Albert Einstein. Stories suggest that he was also offered the post of Israel president. This one is one of the coolest currencies. It served as Israel’s currency till 1980. Later on, the new currency, the Israeli Shekel, took its place.

Image Source: www.worldbanknotescoins.com

1410 Dollars –an indigenous Australian currency

The Australian government spent a whopping 9.3 million Australian dollars to design and print this new series of banknotes. The note carries images of Mary Gilmore, a legendary poet, also an icon in literature sciences. The general public heavily criticised these notes.

Image Source: www.therightnote.com.au

1520,000 rupiah – the currency of Indonesia

This high-value note was issued during inflation in Indonesia. The gorgeous background and the most vibrant mix of colors is nothing short of poetry on paper. This note bears the image of Ki HadjarDewantara, ex-minister of education and culture. This one is also known to be one of the rarest currencies.

Image Source: quora.com


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