Coat of Arms

Banknotes that show coats of arms, national emblems and seals.

Heraldry on money tells you who issued it and how the state saw itself.

History and frequently asked questions below ↓

About coats of arms on banknotes

A coat of arms on a banknote is a statement of authority. When regimes change, emblems change too: Hungary's crowned arms on pengő notes, the hammer and compass of East Germany or the changing emblem of Laos all show political history at a glance.

See also: historical figures, maps and flags and Hungary.

Frequently asked questions

Why do banknotes show coats of arms?

To show the issuing authority and national identity, and as an extra design element that is hard to copy.

Can coats of arms help date a note?

Yes. Changes in emblems often mark a change of government, which helps identify the issue.