Last updated on September 28th, 2024 at 11:42 pm
While some countries keep their currency design simple, some nations can call their banknotes and coins everyday works of art. Here at Remitly, we’re experts in international money transfers, and we’re taking a closer look at some beautiful world currencies our customers use. They send money to loved ones who pick up cash as depicted in these photos—or who receive money on debit cards, in mobile wallets, and in bank accounts. Whatever the method, the currency itself remains a powerful symbol of national identity.
19 Beautiful World Currencies
The countries below exemplify this with their elaborate banknote designs. Here are eleven of the most beautiful currencies in the world.
Did we miss any?
1. Brazil
On one side, the Brazilian real features the personification of its country and government, the Efígie da República—a young woman wearing a crown of bay leaves and a Phrygian cap.
The reverse showcases some of the country’s most notable fauna, including the great egret, jaguar, and golden lion tamarin. Brazil’s newest banknote was released earlier in 2020 and features the maned wolf. Cash remains big in Brazil, though the country has been at the forefront in Latin American currency markets in implementing digital payments with its popular Pix system.
2. Uganda
The Ugandan shilling’s design has changed frequently over the last 50 years, with its banknotes updated periodically to reflect changes in leadership. Its latest change, in May 2020, introduced new designs celebrating Uganda’s rich heritage, which draws from its traditional peoples and its British colonial history (cricket, anyone?).
Ugandan mat patterns, a map of the country, the Nile River, and Uganda’s Independence Monument appear on the shilling’s various denominations.
3. Malaysia
The Malaysian ringgit is notable for looking to the future. Its banknote designs center on Wawasan 2020, the vision put forth by Malaysia’s fourth and seventh Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad. This idea envisioned Malaysia to become a prosperous and developed country by 2020.
The ringgit’s six denominations reflect this vision with imagery of various industries and economic symbols, like the Kuala Lumpur Tower, Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft, and the Kelana Jaya rail transit line. Such images encapsulate Malaysia’s eye toward progress and modernization. Malaysia’s currency is one of several Southeast Asian currencies gaining importance in the global economy.
4. Mexico
The Mexican peso has a long history and was in fact used as the benchmark for all North American currencies in the late 18th century. As if to acknowledge this, the peso’s latest series of banknotes depicts important figures and periods from Mexican history as well as the country’s different types of terrain.
utm_source=content_marketing&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=blog”>Mexican peso has a long history and was in fact used as the benchmark for all North American currencies in the late 18th century. As if to acknowledge this, the peso’s latest series of banknotes depicts important figures and periods from Mexican history as well as the country’s different types of terrain.
In 2018, the 500-peso bill was nominated by the International Bank Note Society for its prestigious Bank Note of the Year Award. While it ultimately lost to Canada, the note still deserves recognition for its design: the front features Benito Juárez, the first indigenous president of Mexico, and the reverse displays gray whales in the Biosphere Reserve of El Vizcaíno. Many remittance receivers still prefer to pick up peso notes like these from popular Mexican banks, but account-to-account money transfer to Mexico has grown rapidly in recent years.
5. South Africa
South African money represents more than just money transfers, commerce, and banking. In the South African Reserve Bank’s words, “Banknotes serve not only as a medium of payment, but are a window on the country, its people, heritage, and culture. … [They] reflect the pride and aspirations of a nation and its people.”
With that in mind, the South African rand comes in five distinct denominations, each featuring one of Africa’s Big Five game animals: a rhinoceros, elephant, lion, buffalo, and leopard. The banknotes are further distinguished by their unique colors and design elements representing different industries.
6. Argentina
As a nod to the country’s fauna and flora, the Argentine peso’s most recent banknote series, released between 2016 and 2018, features birds, mammals, and natural landmarks. This series is unique because the front of the bills is vertical while the reverse is horizontal.
It’s also worth mentioning that Argentina’s 1,000-peso note was a contender for the International Bank Note Society’s Bank Note of the Year award in 2017. The note centers on the national bird, the Rufous hornero, and features both its claw print and habitat. Like other beautiful world currencies, Argentina’s money is a true reflection of its national identity.
7. India
India marked its freedom from English rule in the 20th century with a transition to its anciently named currency, the rupee. The latest banknote series of the Indian rupee is available in several colorful denominations, including lavender, magenta, and fluorescent blue. They each feature a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi as well as major cultural symbols like India’s Sun Temple and the Indian Space Research Organization’s Mars Orbiter Mission. Colorful rupees are a big part of Indian cultural celebrations from Diwali to Holi.
Indian rupee rates are a big part of the new global markets, reflecting India’s influence on the world’s culture more broadly, from the sport of cricket to global cuisine.
8. Nigeria
The Nigerian naira is worth noting because of its novelty in featuring the signature of a woman—that of Priscilla Ekwere Eleje, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s first female Director of Currency Operations. Only one other Nigerian bill has ever featured some female representation: the 20-naira note and its image of renowned potter Ladi Kwali.
Nigeria’s kobo coins are also beautiful in their own right. Elegant in their minimalism, each coin features an important natural or economic symbol that drive the economy, culture, and cuisine of Nigeria: peanuts, maize, palm trees, and oil derricks.
9. Canada
The International Bank Note Society recognized Canada’s 10-dollar bill in 2018, so it makes sense that it’d be on a list of beautiful world currencies.
This particular note carries a social justice theme, depicting Canadian civil rights activist Viola Desmond and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in a vertical format.
However, the Canadian dollar deserves special attention for not just its visual design, but also its material. Beginning in 2011, the Bank of Canada switched completely from paper banknotes to synthetic polymer—many other countries have only switched one or a few denominations. This makes Canadian dollars more environmentally friendly in the long run, outliving traditional paper currency. Canadian dollars are increasingly important in a globalized world, with skilled immigration to Canada on the rise.
10. Switzerland
The multiple award-winning Swiss franc is the national currency of not just Switzerland but also Liechtenstein. Given the franc’s elegant design, no one can blame Liechtenstein for using it.
The franc’s latest series of banknotes features hands in various gestures, and as a result, feel especially artful. For instance, the 10-franc note depicts a pair of hands conducting time with a baton.
11. Honduras
Named after the 16th-century ruler of Honduras’ Lenca people, the Honduran lempira honors national heroes and places in its designs. Honduran banks issue this beautiful world currency from the country’s Atlantic coast to its highlands. Like other Central American nations from Nicaragua to Panama, Hondurans rely heavily on cash in everyday activities, making cash delivery one of the most popular methods for sending money overseas.
Lempira himself appears on the front of the one-lempira note. Meanwhile, the reverse shows the Mayan ball game known as pelota and the ruins of Copán, one of the Maya civilization’s major archaeological sites.
12. Australia
The Australian dollar is a vibrant example of modern currency design, representing the nation’s pride in its heritage. Australia’s polymer banknotes enhance durability while showcasing the country’s natural and cultural richness. From Sir John Monash to native fauna like the kangaroo and emu, the motifs on these notes highlight Australia’s unique identity.
The incorporation of cutting-edge security features, like transparent windows and holographic elements, adds to the allure and functionality of this beautiful currency.
13. New Zealand
New Zealand’s currency is a celebration of the country’s history and natural beauty. The New Zealand dollar notes feature iconic figures like Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Mount Everest, alongside vivid depictions of local wildlife.
14. Euro
The Euro, symbolizing unity across Europe, is more than just a currency—it’s a reflection of the continent’s shared heritage. Each banknote represents a different era of European architecture, from classical columns to modern bridges, embodying Europe’s rich cultural diversity.
The Euro also incorporates advanced security features like holograms and watermarks, ensuring its place as a secure and widely respected currency. The design of the Euro is both functional and a testament to the beauty of European collaboration.
15. Maldives
The Maldivian rufiyaa is a stunning representation of the Maldives’ vibrant culture and natural wonders. The latest series, printed on durable polymer, captures the essence of island life with intricate depictions of marine creatures and traditional fishing scenes.
The rufiyaa’s colorful designs, featuring fish, coral, and motifs from everyday Maldivian life, make it one of the most visually striking currencies in the world. Its durability in the humid, tropical climate is matched only by its artistic appeal.
16. Iceland
The Icelandic kronur is a currency deeply connected to its land of fire and ice. Each banknote features a blend of historical portraits and breathtaking landscapes, from majestic waterfalls to the country’s rugged volcanic terrain.
The motifs on Iceland’s banknotes reflect the nation’s proud heritage and natural beauty. While Icelandic banknotes are known for their security features, they are not primarily made of polymer.
17. Cook Islands
The currency of the Cook Islands is among the most unique and visually captivating in the world. Although the Cook Islands use the New Zealand dollar as their primary currency, they also issue their own distinctive banknotes, which are legal tender within the Cook Islands.
These notes are celebrated for their imaginative and vibrant designs, featuring everything from marine life to traditional Polynesian symbols. This rich cultural representation, combined with bold colors and striking imagery, has earned the Cook Islands’ currency a reputation as one of the coolest and most cherished by both locals and collectors globally.
18. Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s currency, the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), is recognized for its vibrant designs that highlight the city’s blend of Eastern and Western influences. The notes are issued by three different banks—HSBC, Standard Chartered, and the Bank of China—each adding its own unique style to the currency.
Hong Kong’s banknotes feature iconic symbols like the Bauhinia flower, modern skyscrapers, and historic landmarks, representing the dynamic nature of this global financial hub. The use of advanced security features, such as holographic elements and tactile patterns for the visually impaired, ensures that the Hong Kong dollar is both secure and aesthetically engaging.
19. Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s currency, the Costa Rican colón (CRC), is a vibrant celebration of the country’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The banknotes feature intricate designs depicting Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife, including jaguars, sloths, and hummingbirds, as well as important national figures.
The bold use of color and detailed illustrations make the colón one of the most visually appealing currencies in Latin America. Additionally, Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the production of these notes, which are made from durable and eco-friendly materials.
How Are Banknotes Ranked?
The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) annually honors an outstanding banknote among the world’s paper money offerings. Known as the “Banknote of the Year” award, it goes to a banknote that demonstrates exceptional design, artistic merit, and advanced security features. The selection process involves nominations from IBNS members, who propose notes that are in general circulation and not merely specimen or collector items.
IBNS members vote on the nominated banknotes, evaluating them based on criteria such as color, design balance, thematic execution, and the integration of security features. The winning banknote is then recognized for setting a benchmark in currency design.
In 2023, the award went to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s $2 note, praised for its vibrant colors and engaging design that includes local cultural icons and environmental themes. This polymer note was a collaboration with De La Rue, a leader in currency printing, and was particularly noted for its innovative use of materials and design elements.
The IBNS award showcases the global evolution of currency design, where artistic expression meets technological innovation to produce secure, functional, and aesthetically pleasing banknotes.
IBNS Banknote of the Year Winners (2010 – Present)
2023: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank $2 Note
2022: Philippines 1,000-Peso Note
2021: Mexico 50-Peso Note
2020: Mexico 100-Peso Note
2019: Aruba 100-Florin Note
2018: Canada 10-Dollar Note
2017: Switzerland 10-Franc Note
2016: Switzerland 50-Franc Note
2015: New Zealand 5-Dollar Note
2014: Trinidad & Tobago 50-Dollar Note
2013: Kazakhstan 1,000-Tenge Note
2012: Kazakhstan 5,000-Tenge Note
2011: Kazakhstan 10,000-Tenge Note
2010: Uganda 50,000-Shilling Note
