Money has been known to mankind since ancient times. Initially, pebbles and shells were used instead of money, then coins and paper money came into use. In the entire history of their existence, what they just were not! You can read about the most interesting, unusual money in our article.

Coins.

Let's start with the most beautiful coin in the world. She became a Mexican silver coin with the image of the national coat of arms and the Aztec "calendar". The curiosity received this proud title in 2008 at the World Mint Conference, which took place in South Korea.

So, the biggest coin.

This title is claimed by 1 Tonne Gold Kangaroo Coin. It was made in Australia, and today it has its face value (it's a little, a lot - one million Australian dollars). As for the weight of the coin, it is 1012 kilograms, made of 999.9 gold. The record holder coin was 80 centimeters in diameter and 12 cm thick. appearance, then on the obverse is located, as it should be, the profile of Queen Elizabeth II, but on the reverse, a large red kangaroo looks great in the sun. It took a little more than 18 months to create such a rather big coin. Well, let's see if we can steal such a "baby".

The smallest coin in the world.

It was released in Nepal, back in the 18th century, namely in 1740. Its nominal value was 1/4 java, but the weight was only 0.002 g.

But, perhaps, the smallest and largest coins will not be on par with the other "exclusives" presented below.

Celebrity coins.

For example, everyone remembers how the Star Wars film simply conquered the world in the 90s. He continues to be on the wave of popularity today. But the tiny Pacific state of Niue decided to make money on this passion for the movie saga. And so the coin appeared, which is shown below. Or rather, not one, but a whole series. Each of them flaunts a famous character from Star Wars. And such a “toy” costs as much as 390 “live” ones! But this small state decided to make money not only on Star Wars. In 2005, a unique in its kind, say, "Edison light bulb coin" was born. Its peculiarity is that when you press the coin, the built-in light bulb lights up, exactly repeating the shape of the first electric incandescent lamp invented by Edison. Its face value is $1.

By the way, not only the characters from the film are immortalized in banknotes. In 2007, a coin was issued in the Cook Islands to commemorate the decade of the tragic death of Diana Spencer. But in Palau in 2008 they decided to perpetuate the portrait of the greatest dreamer and fighter against windmills, the brave and invincible Don Quixote. Or how do you like the image of Picasso for 10 euros, which appeared in France in 2010?

Bulk coins and QR code.

But in another small state, it seems that they do not trust flat coins much. Therefore, they use their own, voluminous coins. They look in the form of balls, cubes and triangles. Apparently, this was done for the safety of their own citizens: it is much easier to fight off opponents in a civil war with such "banknotes". But the Mint, for security purposes, but not for citizens, but for its own currency, issued the world's first coins with a QR code. This code contains a link to the website of the Ministry of Finance of this country. Interesting coins, is not it?

Changing money.

No less interesting and unique is the coin, which literally "comes to life in the hands." Her secret is in thermal imaging. It turns out that in its normal state the coin looks quite simple: it is completely red. But .. As soon as you take it in your hands, it immediately transforms. Voila! And instead of one red color, a chicken is sitting in your hands.

Here's an Easter surprise.

The coin is an illusion.

But this is not the most amazing and extravagant coin in the world. In 2001, this commemorative coin appeared. Who do you see on it? A bored lady with glasses and a strange hairstyle? And turn it over? Surprised? That's it. A sea captain, an experienced sailor or a lovely intelligent lady? Choose only for those who will have this miracle worth 10 dollars in their hands!

And how do you like such a nice coin? It was made in Benin in 2011, and its face value is 100 francs. And as soon as the question arises, what did the government of Benin want to tell the world in this way?

Paper money.

But not only coins are original money. Do not forget that paper banknotes are also very popular. Well, let's start traditionally: largest paper banknote. You will be surprised, but this is not a banknote at all. In fact, it's just a huge building. See for yourself - in front of you is the office center Easy Office, which is located in Lithuanian Kaunas, looks like a real banknote worth a thousand litas.

Denomination of the largest banknote in the world.

But the largest paper banknote in its face value in history was issued in Hungary. This matter was in post-war years when inflation was rampant in the country. Well, a sextillion penge at that time was a really good amount. Such a billionth banknote was issued in 1946.

The Americans did not excel in this regard either. Have you managed to hold a banknote equal to one million? Then you are most likely a member of the International Club, because it was for them that such a “piece of paper” was made as a kind of membership card. This was done in 1988. And here are bills with a face value of 200, 500 and 1000 dollars.

But smallest paper banknote was born in 1917. Romania became her homeland. A ticket for 10 baths had dimensions of 27.5 by 38 millimeters.

And another novelty from the world of money pleased Canada. Ordinary banknotes, as Canadians quite rightly believe, have a rather short lifespan. That is why they introduced a plastic money system a long time ago. As a result, this country has the most reliable and durable banknotes. But Luminous Paper Money went even further. They decided to create those banknotes that would glow in the dark. By the way, each denomination of such a backlight has its own specific color.

The most beautiful banknote.

And while the beautiful half of humanity is raising the question of the parameters of beauty, vigorously discussing what external and internal data this very “Miss Beauty” should have, a unanimous opinion has long been established among banknotes. So, the French Pacific franc became the most beautiful banknote in the world.

It will be in your wallet when You will go to the Pacific Ocean in the territories that belong to France: French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, New Caledonia. The impeccable beauty of these places, carefree life local residents, tranquility and serenity of nature, a fabulous underwater world - all this is perfectly reflected on banknotes. Here is a banknote of ten thousand francs in front of you, which seems to “charge” with the atmosphere and spirit of the countries. The only banknote that is in circulation today can only compete with one that, surprisingly, is “older”. The “beauty”, confidently placed in second place, was the German currency of the “crisis” times. This image shows how complex and multifaceted the image style is.

But, perhaps, 20 from the Cook Islands can easily claim the title of the most erotic banknote. Beautiful, feminine and graceful .. Well, why not native erotica?

But all the listed types of banknotes exist in reality, they can be seen, touched, smelled, after all. But there is also money that doesn't really exist. Surprised? Read on.

Do you know which of the world's banknotes is the most fake? Not? Then pay attention to the presented instance. This money came from Operation Bernard. It was them that the Nazis dropped from their planes onto English territory. The principle and purpose of such actions was clear: to destabilize the existing situation as much as possible.

And here is another, now a fictional bill. Agree, it is so unsympathetic that you are glad that no one thought of printing it and putting it into circulation. But for statistics, it is quite possible to fix.

Do you know which of the banknotes is the oldest?

This is a Chinese banknote that was in circulation in 1380. True, the Chinese invented paper even earlier: in 800 AD.

Everyone is afraid of the mythical number "666". But few people know that the fate of another valuable paper bill is connected with him. This, by the way, is not only the most mythical, but also the very first banknote in Europe. Its history began in 1666: it was then that the Bank of Sweden issued the first European "money". Well, the date that many are afraid of as hell of incense: is there any reason to claim the title of the most mythical and mysterious?

Here they are most unusual money peace. It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list of unique, one of a kind, funny and funny, formidable and serious banknotes, as well as coins. I saw history and banknotes equal to trillions of rubles, and banknotes dedicated not only to outstanding personalities (presidents and kings, dukes and duchesses), but also ordinary people as well as footballers. In a word, one cannot describe those multifaceted manifestations that formed the basis of these banknotes.

A huge number of numismatists around the world collects such amazing coins and banknotes. But only their goal is not to get rich, but just to have fun.

In fact, each country has its own unique currency. Portraits are usually depicted on money famous people, landmarks or illustrations for historical events. But there are also very unusual banknotes. Our review contains 16 coins and banknotes that are the dream of every numismatist.

1. Silver coin with meteorite fragments, Fiji

In 2012, the Republic of Fiji issued a limited edition of 999 $10 coins made of silver, which contained pieces of the real Neuschwanstein meteorite that fell to Earth on April 6, 2002 near Neuschwanstein Castle, located on the border of Germany and Austria.

2. Banknotes with animals, Belarus

While most countries feature historically important people and symbols on their banknotes, the Belarusian 50 kopeck note features a squirrel, the 1 ruble note features a hare, and a pair of beavers can be found on the 3 ruble note. Banknotes of higher denominations contain images of wolves, lynxes, elks, bears and bison. True, the Belarusian "bunnies" have already been withdrawn from circulation.

3. 100-franc coin with marijuana, Benin

The world's first silver coin depicting marijuana was issued by the government of the West African Republic of Benin. On the reverse side of the coin, there is a bright green hemp leaf. When rubbed, the leaf emits a distinct marijuana flavor, which is produced by synthetic additives.

4. 50 pfennig banknote, Germany

The Germans portrayed real social advertising on money. The images on the banknotes were varied - from romantic folklore to social satire, but all very well convey the spirit of the culture of this period in German history. Scary images, such as those on the 50 pfennig banknote, were no exception.

5. Mammoth Fossil Coin, Cote d'Ivoire

Cote d'Ivoire has issued a limited edition 1000-franc coin with tiny fragments of mammoth remains.

100 trillion dollar banknote, Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, at the time of the country's exit from the Second Congo War (1998 - 2003), the confiscation of personal land holdings of white farmers began. This led to hyperinflation, which peaked at 79,600 million percent in November 2008. At that time, the National Bank issued $100 trillion banknotes.

7. Talking coin, Mongolia

The 500 tugrik coins, issued in 2007 in Mongolia, were equipped with a button that, when pressed, sounded the famous speech "I am a Berliner" former president USA John F. Kennedy.

8. Wooden banknote, Germany

Germany plunged into a deep financial crisis after the First World War. This led the Germans to issue their own unofficial currency called "Notgeld" (emergency money). German cities printed currency on everything possible - on wood, aluminum foil, playing cards, in an attempt to circumvent the depreciated value of the German mark.

9. Commemorative coin in honor of the Virgin Mary, Republic of Palau

In honor of the 150th anniversary of the first appearance of the Virgin Mary to Saint Bernadette in the town of Lourdes in southern France in 2008, the Republic of Palau (Western part Pacific Ocean) issued a commemorative coin. It has a built-in Lourdes water capsule.

10 Oldest Banknote, China

Paper money was first used by the Chinese, who began introducing banknotes during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). They were used mainly for private bills. Paper notes were in circulation in China for more than 500 years before they began to take root in Europe around the 17th century. The Chinese Kuan of 1380 is the oldest known banknote in the world.

11. Banknote of 100 million billion pengy, Hungary

Hungary's currency, the pengő, has suffered the most high level hyperinflation in history. In 1946, a Hungarian bank issued a 100 million billion pengő note, which was worth only about 20 US cents. In July 1946, the country changed its currency from pengo to forint.

12. Coin with statuette, Easter Island

The most famous landmark of Easter Island was depicted on a coin very original way. The silver coin was designed so that miniature idol figurines could be inserted vertically into the slots on the coins, creating a three-dimensional version of the famous Easter Island monuments.

13. Coin with pearl, Republic of Palau

Another original coin of complex design was a coin issued in the Republic of Palau, in which green freshwater pearls are embedded - a local symbol of good luck and happiness. The coins, which were issued in a limited edition, are also decorated with various types of sea shells.

14. Coin with a piece of the heat shield "Concorde", Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha, a British territory located on remote volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, issued a special series of coins to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the famous Concorde aircraft in 2009. Each coin is gold plated and contains a tiny piece of Concorde's titanium alloy heat shield.

15. The largest banknote, Philippines

The 100,000 peso note was issued by the Central Bank of the Philippines to celebrate the country's centenary in 1998. The banknote measuring 22x35.5 cm was entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest banknote, which is legal tender.

16. Leather money, Alaska

In 1799, the Russian-American Company, established in Alaska to develop the natural wealth of these lands, issued leather money. Stamps with a face value of 25, 10, 5, 1 ruble and 50, 25 and 10 kopecks in color resembled Russian banknotes issued by decrees of Catherine II in 1768 and 1787.

Money, as you know, is needed in order to spend it, and the ideal place for this is one of 10 most extravagant casinos in the world/GO].

In fact, each country has its own unique currency. On the money are usually depicted portraits of famous people, landmarks or illustrations of historical events. But there are also very unusual banknotes. Our review contains 16 coins and banknotes that are the dream of every numismatist.

Silver coin with meteorite fragments, Fiji

In 2012, the Republic of Fiji issued a limited edition of 999 $10 coins made of silver, which contained pieces of the real Neuschwanstein meteorite that fell to Earth on April 6, 2002 near Neuschwanstein Castle, located on the border of Germany and Austria.

Banknotes with animals, Belarus

While most countries feature historically important people and symbols on their banknotes, the Belarusian 50 kopeck note features a squirrel, the 1 ruble note features a hare, and a pair of beavers can be found on the 3 ruble note. Banknotes of higher denominations contain images of wolves, lynxes, elks, bears and bison. True, the Belarusian "bunnies" have already been withdrawn from circulation.

100-franc coin with marijuana, Benin

The world's first silver coin depicting marijuana was issued by the government of the West African Republic of Benin. On the reverse side of the coin, there is a bright green hemp leaf. When rubbed, the leaf emits a distinct marijuana flavor, which is produced by synthetic additives.

50 pfennig banknote, Germany

The Germans portrayed real social advertising on money. The images on the banknotes were varied - from romantic folklore to social satire, but all very well convey the spirit of the culture of this period in German history. Scary images, such as those on the 50 pfennig banknote, were no exception.

Coin with fossil remains of a mammoth, Côte d'Ivoire

Cote d'Ivoire has issued a limited edition 1000-franc coin with tiny fragments of mammoth remains.

100 trillion dollar banknote, Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, at the time of the country's withdrawal from the Second Congo War (1998-2003), the confiscation of personal land holdings of white farmers began. This led to hyperinflation, which peaked at 79,600 million percent in November 2008. At that time, the National Bank issued $100 trillion banknotes.

Talking coin, Mongolia

The 500 tugrik coins, issued in 2007 in Mongolia, were equipped with a button that, when pressed, played the famous "I am a Berliner" speech by former US President John F. Kennedy.

Wooden banknote, Germany

Germany plunged into a deep financial crisis after the First World War. This led the Germans to issue their own unofficial currency called "Notgeld" (emergency money). German cities printed currency on whatever they could - on wood, aluminum foil, playing cards - in an attempt to get around the depreciated value of the German mark.

Commemorative coin in honor of the Virgin Mary, Republic of Palau

In honor of the 150th anniversary of the first appearance of the Virgin Mary to Saint Bernadette in the town of Lourdes in southern France in 2008, the Republic of Palau (Western Pacific) issued a commemorative coin. It has a built-in Lourdes water capsule.

The oldest banknote, China

Paper money was first used by the Chinese, who began introducing banknotes during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). They were used mainly for private bills. Paper notes were in circulation in China for more than 500 years before they began to take root in Europe around the 17th century. The Chinese Kuan of 1380 is the oldest known banknote in the world.

100 million billion pengő banknote, Hungary

Hungary's currency, the pengo, has suffered the highest level of hyperinflation in history. In 1946, a Hungarian bank issued a 100 million billion pengő note, which was worth only about 20 US cents. In July 1946, the country changed its currency from pengo to forint.

Coin with statuette, Easter Island

The most famous landmark of Easter Island was depicted on the coin in a very original way. The silver coin was designed so that miniature idol figurines could be inserted vertically into the slots on the coins, creating a three-dimensional version of the famous Easter Island monuments.

Coin with pearl, Republic of Palau

Coin with a piece of Concord heat shield.

Tristan da Cunha, a British territory located on remote volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, issued a special series of coins to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the famous Concorde aircraft in 2009. Each coin is gold plated and contains a tiny piece of Concorde's titanium alloy heat shield.

The largest banknote, Philippines

The 100,000 peso note was issued by the Central Bank of the Philippines to celebrate the country's centenary in 1998. The banknote measuring 22x35.5 cm was entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest banknote, which is legal tender.

Leather money, Alaska

leather money

In 1799, the Russian-American Company, established in Alaska to develop the natural wealth of these lands, issued leather money. Stamps with a face value of 25, 10, 5, 1 ruble and 50, 25 and 10 kopecks in color resembled Russian banknotes issued by decrees of Catherine II in 1768 and 1787.

We all make certain payments every day, and money has become a familiar medium of exchange for us. Perhaps everyone is wondering what money was in the past.

However, today we will not talk about ordinary money that people used before, but we will talk about the most unusual money in the world, both ancient and modern.

The most unusual and interesting money in the world

The largest coin

American artist-sculptor Stanley Witten created a coin that set a record simultaneously for several characteristics: size, weight and face value. This coin was issued by the Canadian National Bank and has a denomination of one million US dollars. This authentic piece of art features the Canadian Maple Leaf symbol on one side and the image of Canada's Queen Elizabeth II on the back. This coin weighs a centner and consists almost entirely of pure gold. There are 15 such coins in total, and all of them are in personal collections.

most valuable coin

At the moment, the most expensive coin in the world is a coin issued in the 30s of the 20th century. Its face value is only $20, but it left a New York auction for $7 million in 2008. The lucky owner of the unique coin wished to remain anonymous.

The lightest coin

The lightest coin in the world is the coin of Nepal, which was issued in 1740 and consists of silver. The weight of the coin is only 0.002 grams.

The most beautiful coin

The Mexican coin of 2005 was recognized as the most attractive outwardly coin. It is made entirely of silver and features the Mexican coat of arms on one side and the Aztec calendar on the other side. The decision that this particular coin will bear the proud title of the most beautiful in the world was made by the commission of the World Conference of Mints in 2008.

The smallest banknote

The banknote, which was issued at the beginning of the 20th century in Romania, can be easily confused with a tram ticket - after all, its size is just over 3 centimeters.

The largest banknote

But the largest banknote in size was in use already in the 14th century in China. Its long side is 33 centimeters.

Banknote of the largest denomination

The Hungarian banknote, which appeared in the 1940s, is the largest banknote in denomination. It is a sextillion pengö (Hungarian currency from 1927 to 1946).

wooden coins

But in the Republic of the Congo, the legal medium of exchange is a wooden coin, the release of which began in 2005. Maple wood was chosen for the manufacture of such coins. Obviously, the creators tried to give the coin some kind of social character, since the inscription on it calls for the protection of animals, and there is also an image of a gorilla on both sides.

fiber money

In 1944-1945 in Japan, in the region of Manchuria, coins made of reddish-brown fiber were used. The use of just such a material for coins was a necessary measure, since the metal reserves were on the verge of extinction.

The oldest paper banknote

- the first country in which money began to be used from the material to which we are accustomed - from paper. It happened at the end of the 1st century AD. The money of that period, unfortunately, has not survived to our times. The most ancient paper money that has survived to this day looks like this:

African money sticks

Until the 20th century, the inhabitants of some parts of Africa used money in their everyday life, which are small iron sticks. They were called “kissy” money. For convenience, they were often used in whole bundles, which had an equal number of sticks.

bullet coins

For almost two hundred years, since the 18th century, bullet coins have been in use. In appearance, such coins resembled a small uneven ball of silver. Each coin had the name of the king and his dynasty.

geometric money

Lovers of regular geometric shapes have a direct road to Somalia - coins are issued there in the form of a cylinder, cone, ball and cube.

Coins-motorcycles, -guitars and -cars

Such coins, which can also be found in Somalia, are more like key chains or small souvenirs.

diamond coin

In the UK in 2012, a tiny diamond coin was issued with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The coin is only 750 nanometers in diameter.

Coins for space tourists

Laster University, in conjunction with the US National Space Center, issued coins designed for use exclusively in outer space. Coins, called Quid, are not used on Earth. Such money is endowed with a special level of overprotection and can withstand any cosmic load.

"Holy" coin

On the island of Palau in 2007, a one-dollar silver coin was issued. Its peculiarity is that a small container with holy water extracted from a French holy spring is attached to the coin.