Paper money was first used by the Chinese during the Tang Dynasty in 806 AD–500 years before Europe began printing money in the 17th century. It would be another 100 years before America started circulating a national paper currency. And few Americans were more involved in the national paper money history than Benjamin Franklin, who wrote about, designed and printed paper money prior to the national currency.
So while you are likely familiar with Franklin’s famous face, how acquainted are you with banknotes around the world?
This banknote was designed in the '90s.
Its paper currency was the very first to feature Queen Elizabeth’s image.
Boleslaus, also known as the “Valiant” pictured here, was the country’s first king in 1025 and was known for making it one of the largest and most powerful monarchies in Eastern Europe. He is featured on the 20-zloty note.
Chief Obafemi was a major figure in Nigerian politics and served as Premier of Western Nigeria in the 1950s.
Pictured on its 100-peso banknote is Jorge Eliecer Gaitan Ayala, a politician who defended workers’ rights and who won the 1930 presidential election.