Currencies are more than simple tools for buying and selling. Every color choice, symbol, and portrait on a banknote is carefully selected to tell a story about the place it comes from. Some currencies highlight famous leaders, while others focus on wildlife, landscapes, or cultural traditions.
Advances in printing have also turned modern banknotes into visually striking objects, using bold designs and new materials. Taken together, these details reveal how countries see themselves and how they wish to be seen by the world.
In this gallery, we explore some of the most beautiful currencies from around the globe and explain what makes each one stand out. Curious? Click to reveal them.