The Mysterious History of Money and Fascinating Facts

Studying the origins of money, its historical names, and unusual forms not only broadens one’s outlook but can also increase interest in financial literacy. Below are some interesting facts about money throughout human history.

The first American cent, issued in 1787 on the advice of Benjamin Franklin, carried the phrase “Mind Your Business.”

In 1945–1946, Hungary experienced extreme currency devaluation. It is said that a banknote with a face value of one sextillion pengő issued during that period was effectively worth only about 20 U.S. cents.

According to research by scientists at Harper Adams University in the United Kingdom, plastic or polymer banknotes can be considerably cleaner than traditional paper money and may retain fewer microbes.

In 16th-century Venice, a small coin was known as a “gazeta.” Later, early news sheets were sold for the price of one such coin, and the word eventually became associated with newspapers.

A £100 million banknote issued by the Bank of England in only 40 copies is among the world’s highest-denomination banknotes. £1 million notes have also been used for interbank settlements.

According to Guinness World Records, one of the largest banknotes issued for public circulation was released in Malaysia in 2017. It measures 37 × 22 centimeters.

In 1921, due to a shortage of metal, coins made from red porcelain were also produced in Germany.

In the history of the Russian Empire, some large gold coins weighed between 16.6 and 32.3 grams.