Tag: banknotes

The cradle of the European banknote stood in … Sweden

In 1654 Christina, the young Swedish queen, caused upheaval when she abdicated and became a convert to the Roman-Catholic faith. Her extravagancy and the recently ended Thirty years’ war (1618-1648) had left her country with enormous debts. To make financial matters worse, her successor and cousin, Charles X Gustavus, continued warfare with Poland and Denmark. These lasting conflicts were a serious threat to the economy and caused a depreciation of the copper plate money or kopparplätmynt.

Friday April 11th, 2008 – 10:42 AM | Posted in Object of the month | Also tagged , | Comments Off

First centenary: time for innovation

The design of the euro banknotes depicts the architectural styles of seven periods in Europe’s cultural history. Compared to the former notes of the member states of the euro area which can be regarded as glorious portrait galleries, the euro notes no longer depict portraits from famous persons of the euro area. Questions that might have given rise to discussion were, amongst others: who? males? females? what nationality? In the 20th century the portrait became one of the main motifs of the Belgian notes.

Tuesday December 11th, 2007 – 11:15 AM | Posted in Object of the month | Also tagged , , , | Comments Off

Paper money, a Chinese invention?

First paper, then paper money. This is pure logic. It is hardly surprising that the first notes or better, the first paper money, appeared in China. With the invention of paper and printing on its account, this country was almost destined to produce the first paper money.

Wednesday September 5th, 2007 – 01:20 PM | Posted in Object of the month | Also tagged , , | Comments Off

Emergency money

Everybody knows probably the stories about butter and eggs which have been smuggled from the countryside to the city during the war. But how were these butter and eggs paid for?

Sunday February 11th, 2007 – 01:57 PM | Posted in Object of the month | Also tagged , , | Comments Off