About Coins & Banknotes
Coins and banknotes are designed to be recognizable, durable, difficult to counterfeit, and easy to use. They also carry portraits, symbols, languages, buildings, wildlife, and other images chosen by governments or currency authorities.
Denominations
Currency uses standard denominations.
Learn MoreCoins
Coins are usually used for lower denominations.
Learn MoreBanknotes
Banknotes provide lightweight higher-value physical currency.
Learn MoreSecurity Features
Banknotes use features designed to make counterfeiting difficult.
Learn MoreMints
Mints manufacture official coins.
Learn MoreCurrency Printing
Specialized facilities print and inspect banknotes.
Learn MoreDesign
Currency design communicates national identity.
Learn MoreNumismatics
Numismatics is the study and collecting of coins, notes, tokens, and related objects.
Learn MoreDenominations
Different values reduce the number of pieces needed for transactions. Denomination systems differ by country.
Coins
Metal composition, size, edge texture, weight, and color help users distinguish values.
Banknotes
Modern notes may use paper made from cotton fibers, polymer, or other durable materials.
Security Features
Watermarks, color-shifting ink, microprinting, transparent windows, security threads, tactile features, and complex patterns may be used.
Mints
Coin production involves metal blanks, dies, presses, quality control, and distribution.
Currency Printing
Exact methods vary by country, but currency printing uses controlled materials, detailed artwork, numbering, and security processes.
Design
Historical figures, leaders, artists, landmarks, wildlife, cultural symbols, and scientific achievements can appear on money.
Numismatics
Collectors care about condition, rarity, mint marks, printing varieties, errors, history, and provenance.