14 Banknotes Featuring Artists and Artworks as National Symbols

A recent feature article presents 14 different banknotes that celebrate renowned artists and their masterpieces, demonstrating how currency can reflect cultural heritage. The British £20 note from 2016 showcases J.M.W. Turner. Mexico's 50-peso note, awarded the title of most beautiful in 2022, features the Teocalli sculpture alongside a mural by Diego Rivera. Armenia's 20,000-dram note highlights Hovhannes Aivazovsky, while India's 20-rupee note illustrates the Ellora Caves. The 2009 South Korean 50,000-won note displays Shin Saimdang. Colombia's 2015 2,000-peso note pays tribute to Débora Arango, and Turkey's 20-lira note depicts Mimar Kemaleddin Bey. The DRC's franc notes present ethnic art, Singapore's 50-dollar note features Chen Wen Hsi and Cheong Soo Pieng, Egypt's one-pound note merges the Madrasa of Sultan Qaytbay with the Great Temple of Ramesses II, Japan's 2019 1,000-yen note includes Hokusai's 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa', Georgia's 5-lari note honors Niko Pirosmani, and Romania's 10-lei note celebrates Nicolae Grigorescu. Euro banknotes also reflect the architectural history of Europe.