Most beautiful banknote across the world are not just currency of a particular country but also reflect the country’s culture and beauty. Here is the list of 13 visually appealing banknotes from different countries, each with unique characteristics and an interesting fact.
1. Argentine Peso (ARS)
The banknote of Argentina is known as the Argentine Peso. These notes feature the Andean condor and historical figures such as Evita Peron. The new 10,000 peso notes were added in 2024 due to high inflation in the country.
2. Australian Dollar (AUD)
The banknote of Australia is known as the Australian dollar. These polymer banknotes feature kangaroos and security elements and are recyclable. Australia was the first nation to use fully polymer notes.
3. Brazilian Real (BRL)
The currency of Brazil is known as the Brazilian real. Its special features include bright designs of animals like jaguars and macaws. It also has a holographic strip, which makes it difficult to counterfeit.
4. Canadian Dollar (CAD)
The currency of Canada is known as the Canadian dollar. The special feature of these notes is that they are polymer notes with Viola Desmond and nature scenes. These polymer notes last 2.5 times longer than paper ones.
5. Honduran Lempira (HNL)
Honduras is a Central American country with Caribbean Sea coastlines and its currency is known as the Honduran Lempira. The currency is named after a 16th-century indigenous leader,” Lempira”. Its special feature reflects Mayan heritage and national heroes.
6. Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
The banknote of Malaysia is known as the Malaysian Ringgit. The notes display hibiscus flowers and traditional kites with vibrant colors. The word “ringgit” is derived from a Malay word that means jagged edges of old silver coins
7. Mexican Peso (MXN)
The currency of Mexico is known as the Mexican peso. The special features of these banknotes include Frida Kahlo and Mayan ruins with bold artwork. Additionally, the peso ranks among the most traded currencies around the world.
8. Nigerian Naira (NGN)
The banknote of Nigeria is known as the Nigerian Naira. These notes have cultural designs and leaders like Ahmadu Bello on them. While cash is still widely used, payment apps such as OPay are becoming popular.
9. New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
The currency of New Zealand is known as the New Zealand dollar. The special feature is that these notes feature kiwi birds and landscapes with transparent windows. The transparent windows add security and look cool.
10. Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
The banknote of Pakistan is known as the Pakistani rupee. The notes feature a portrait of Quaid-e-Azam, the national animal, the markhor, and landmarks such as Badshahi Mosque. On Pakistan’s 75th anniversary, the bank issued a new 75 rupee note in 2022 with a unique design.
11. South African Rand (ZAR)
The currency of South Africa is known as the South African rand. The five big animals-Lion elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros—are displayed on rand notes. These notes are used in Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini.
12. Swiss Franc (CHF)
The banknotes of Switzerland are known as Swiss francs, with special features such as sleek, colorful designs about light and time. The franc is considered a very stable currency and often referred to as a “safe haven” in finance.
13. Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
The banknote of Uganda is known as the Ugandan shilling. The note features pictures of wildlife such as the gorilla and grey-crowned crane. However, the notes are still widely used in rural areas, while mobile apps are becoming more popular in urban areas.
