Hello! San Miguel
Did you know that over 10 million people in Mexico are holding onto a beautiful little gem—the 50 peso bill? Yep, according to a survey by the Bank of Mexico, 68% of folks have stashed away anywhere from one to five of these cash cuties, not ready to spend them just because, well, they’re cute! That’s right, maybe you have one tucked away in your wallet, too. You’re not alone!
This trend has caused a whopping 12.5 million pesos to vanish from circulation. But what exactly makes a bill “beautiful”? And who gets to decide what’s the prettiest cash out there?
Every year, the International Bank Note Society gives out the “Banknote of the Year” award, judged by a group of collectors, designers, and numismatic experts. They look at artistic design, color use, cultural value, and the whole shebang of anti-counterfeiting tech. Talk about high stakes in the world of money!
So, what makes a bill truly stunning? It’s not just about being colorful. A beautiful bill should showcase a country’s identity, be secure against fakes, and be a total eye-candy. Think of it as a visual celebration of a nation’s values and history, wrapped up in a secure piece of paper.
And guess what? Modern banknotes are stepping up their game with polymer materials—stronger, water-resistant, and hey, they can even have cool transparent windows!
On the security front, holograms are the unsung heroes of currency design. They’re not only there to block counterfeiters, but they also add a layer of artistic flair that turns these bills into tiny masterpieces.
Now, here’s the cherry on top—a list of the world’s most beautiful banknotes:
1. The 100-cent bill from Fiji celebrates the Lunar New Year with a dazzling hologram.
2. New Zealand’s 50-dollar bill honors Sir pirana Ngata and features colorful holograms including ferns and the New Zealand map.
3. The British 50-pound note is a classy piece of work with a hologram that changes between symbols.
4. The 1000-peso bill from the Philippines features their endangered eagle and recently snagged the “Banknote of the Year” award.
5. Costa Rica’s 10,000-colon bill shows off its historical pride with nifty holograms.
6. The Australian 20-dollar bill celebrates pioneering women with cool holograms too.
7. Our beloved 50-peso bill shows the Teocalli of Sacred War on one side and an adorable axolotl on the other—no wonder it’s a fan favorite.
8. Barbados’ new 100-dollar bill has a sleek vertical design portraying national pride.
9. The UAE commemorative dirham features their first astronaut and other futuristic elements.
10. Scottish 20-pound note pays homage to historical figures with cool holograms and designs.
11. The Eastern Caribbean 100-dollar note is a colorful blend of local fauna and flora.
12. The Egyptian 20-pound note showcases iconic historical landmarks with intricate designs.
In case you’re wondering, our own 50 peso bill made the list, showing off the Teocalli of the Sacred War and the adorable axolotl—representing the beauty of Mexico’s culture like no other!
So, what do you think? Do you hold on to any of these beauties, or do you spend them without a second thought? Feel free to share your thoughts, San Miguel! Until next time, keep awesome!
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