• Exploring Romania’s 100 Lei: A Journey Through Time

    The post reflects on the significance of the 100 Lei banknote in Romania, contrasting the 1966 series, associated with communist rule, and the polymer 2018 version, symbolizing a new democratic era. The narrative connects personal childhood memories with the evolving political landscape and cultural identity of modern Romania.

  • Caribbean Dreaming: Warm & Colorful Notes

    With each turn of the new year and winter setting in, I can’t help but dream of a tropical escape. There was a time when the Caribbean would satisfy that dream by way of a 1-week getaway. Aside from the warmer climate and clear blue seas, I always enjoyed the cultural elements of the destination…

  • Mexico’s 500 Pesos Note: Celebrating Frida Kahlo

    The art world was abuzz recently. Two famous paintings sold at auctions, fetching record prices. One sold for $236.4 million and the other for $54.7 million. One was by Gustav Klimt, a European artist, and the other by female Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. Kahlo is the inspiration behind this post. Her self-portrait, The Dream (The…

  • The Little Prince in my Collection: France’s 50 Francs

    In 1993 I traveled to Paris, France for the first time. My stay was not long, only a few days, but the memory is with me to this day. There’s nothing like Paris anywhere around the world and I was excited to have finally made it. I was almost 17 at that time and my…

  • Growing Up: The Paper Money Guy Turns 2!

    After a short hiatus and a busy summer, I’m excited to be back as The Paper Money Guy turns 2. Keeping with this theme, I decided to profile some of my favorite two denomination notes from around the world. Some of these have been demonetized and are no longer legal tender. In some cases, the…