Fascinating Facts

Weekly Trivia: Palau’s 2009 "Coconut" coin pioneered aromatic currency, using micro-encapsulation to release scents when rubbed. This "scratch-and-sniff" tech later produced Palau’s "Sea Breeze" (2010) and Benin’s viral cannabis-scented coin (2011). next...

Weekly Trivia: Constantine the Great was the first Roman emperor to feature the Chi-Rho (Christogram) on imperial currency. The symbol first appeared subtly on a silver medallion in 315 AD and was later used prominently on the "Spes Publica" bronze coinage (c. 327 AD), marking the beginning of the Empire's visual transition to Christianity. next...

In Italy, the bank Credito Emiliano accepts Parmigiano-Reggiano wheels as collateral for loans besides money. They store the cheese in climate-controlled vaults. next...

Weekly Trivia: The late Queen Elizabeth II holds the record for the most currencies featuring the same individual, having appeared on the coinage of at least 33 different countries. next...

Weekly Trivia: Hungary printed a 100 Quintillion Pengo note in 1946 during hyperinflation. That’s a 1 followed by 20 zeros. next...

Weekly Trivia: Smallest Banknote - The Romanian 10 Bani note (issued in 1917) is the world's smallest banknote, measuring just 27.5mm x 38mm (about the size of a stamp). next...

Weekly Trivia: Until the 20th century, compressed bricks of tea were used as currency in China, Tibet, Central Asia and Russia (Siberia). You could spend them or brew them! next...

Weekly Trivia: The term “dollar” comes from the German word “thaler,” a silver coin first minted in 1518. next...

Weekly Trivia: The heaviest coin ever minted for circulation was the Swedish plate money, which weighed 19.7 kg (43 lb) and measured 30 x 70 cm (12 x 28 in). next...

Weekly Trivia: In Britain, coin tossing was called “cross and pile”. A name originating from the game's association with the two sides of a coin and the hammer marks from its striking on a coin-maker's anvil, where the "pile" referred to the indented side and "cross" to the raised cross symbol on the reverse. This game was once a popular court pastime, with King Edward II being known to play it. next...