Historical figures

Banknotes that feature famous people: writers, composers, scientists, rulers and revolutionaries.

From Goethe and Jane Austen to Winston Churchill, Karen Blixen and Greta Garbo, each note is a small portrait gallery of a nation's heroes.

History and frequently asked questions below ↓

About banknotes with historical figures

Portraits have been used on banknotes for centuries, partly because detailed faces are hard to forge. The choice of who appears says a lot about a country: kings and presidents in some, poets, composers and scientists in others. A themed collection of people you admire, such as writers, musicians or women in history, makes a personal and affordable collection.

See also: legendary figures, musical instruments and peoples and cultures.

Frequently asked questions

Why do banknotes show portraits?

Faces are very hard to copy accurately, which makes portraits an effective security feature, and they honour national heroes.

Can I find a banknote of a specific person?

Use the search bar with the person's name, or browse this collection. We add new notes regularly.