Did You Know These 10 Amusing Facts about Money?
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- Giant Stone Money: On the Yap Islands in Micronesia, large, circular stones called Rai stones serve as currency. The largest ones weigh several tons and require community cooperation to move!
- Salty Snack: In ancient China, compressed tea bricks were used as currency. Not only valuable, but they could also be used for a refreshing drink!
- Mutilated Money: In some cultures, intentionally damaging money increases its value. In Rwanda, cowshells with deliberate chips were more desirable than perfect ones.
- Smelly Cash: Swiss francs are infused with a unique scent to deter counterfeiting. It has a faint hint of vanilla and chocolate, making them perhaps the tastiest smelling bills in the world.
- Underwater Vault: The Bank of England has a secret vault located beneath the River Thames, nicknamed the "Doom Bar." Its exact contents are a mystery, fueling speculation about gold reserves and historical artifacts.
- Polymer Power: Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries have switched to polymer banknotes instead of traditional paper. These are more durable, water-resistant, and harder to counterfeit.
- Lucky Number 7: The US $7 bill features an unfinished pyramid on the back. Conspiracy theorists believe it's a symbol of the Illuminati, but it actually represents an incomplete national monument at the time of design.
- Poop Paper: Elephant dung paper is used to make banknotes in Thailand. This eco-friendly and durable material helps protect endangered elephants.
- Space Cash: Astronauts carry special space-adapted currency onboard the International Space Station for emergency use. The bills are stamped with a special mark to prevent them from re-entering Earth's economy.
- Germaphobe's Nightmare: Studies show that banknotes can harbor a surprising variety of bacteria and even trace amounts of cocaine. Frequent handwashing after handling cash is recommended!
