With over 180 countries and currencies (recognized by the United Nations), there is no doubt that sometimes keeping track of these ever-changing currencies and values can be a little overwhelming. In fact, much of the currencies used today have dramatically changed in the past few years. For example, did you know that the United States is not the only country to use the dollar as their currency? There are actually over 22 countries around the world that use their own version of the dollar. Today, we’re going to explore six currencies from around the globe to better aid you in collecting as much information about them as possible.
Iraqi Dinar
The Iraqi Dinar was first introduced to the public in 1932 after replacing its predecessor, the Indian Rupee. This new currency would be a result of the events of post-world war one. Prior to the removal of Saddam Hussein, most of the currency bore his image. Afterward, however, the British government would take the task of creating a new version of the Dinar with 21st-century anti-theft/counterfeit technology and replace the images of Saddam with historical depictions of Iraq. As of 2018, the value of the Dinar is at 0.00085 cents to one U.S. dollar. The Dinar’s value is becoming stronger although that could be cut short if the Iraqi regions decide to split or if the conflict in the region continues to increase.
French Euro
Euro notes have different sizes to make them easier to recognize, especially for the visually impaired. For the €5 to €100 banknotes, the sizes of the coins increase by five millimeters widthwise and by six or seven millimeters lengthwise. The €100, €200 and €500 notes are the same width but vary in their length. Today the French Euro is valued at 1.14 to one U.S. dollar.
Mexican Peso
As the 10th most traded currency in the world, the Peso has gone through many changes in both value and image. After the oil crisis of the 1970’s, Mexico would introduce the “Nuevo” Peso (or modern) as the currency currently in circulation. The Peso showcases some of Mexico’s revolutionary heroes such as the priest Jose Marie Morelos and Benito Juarez. Currently, the value of the Peso is holding at 0.050 to one U.S. dollar. The Peso may rise or fall in the wake of the NAFTA negotiations.
British Pound
As the oldest currency in the world, the pound has been known to be a consistently strong currency. The Pound is used for the surrounding areas of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The image shown in the front of the currency is of the current monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) and prominent figures of England, such as William Shakespeare on the back of the note. Its current value is 1.31 to one U.S. Dollar. There is a strong indication that this value will remain consistent with the strong backing of the U.S. government and other European allies.
Canadian Dollar
Canadian notes are commonly available in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar denominations with the former bills of $1 and $2 being replaced with two coins, the loonie, and toonie. The banknotes most prominent features are that they are very brightly colored with the portraits of such figures as former prime ministers Wilfrid Laurier and current Queen of England Elizabeth II. The currency is currently and for some time now been at around .70 to .80 cents to a U.S. dollar. In the wake of NAFTA re-negotiations, this value may go either up or down depending on what type of incentives they get.
Chinese Renminbi (people’s money)
Known as the Yuan, most locals are more familiar with the term Renminbi. The Renminbi is used throughout the mainland, except for in cities such as Hong Kong and Macau where the dollar and pataca are commonly used. The image of the currency is adorned as a colorful note with the image of the founder of the People’s Republic of China, Mao Zedong. Its current standing is at 0.14 to one U.S. Dollar. Due to recent talks about its currency from the Trump administration, it is unknown how their market will react to any accusations made.
