If you love traveling, then you must have come across different currencies from different countries. While most countries have their own unique currencies, some currencies stand out because of their uniqueness. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the world’s most unusual and unique currencies.
The Rai Stones of Yap Island
Imagine a currency that is so heavy that you cannot carry it in your pocket. That is what the people of Yap Island in Micronesia used as their currency. The Rai stones are large, circular stones that can weigh up to four metric tons. The bigger the stone, the more valuable it is. The stones were used for big transactions such as buying land or livestock.
The Kina Shells of Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea’s Kina shells are a unique currency that has been in use for centuries. The shells are harvested from the ocean and are then cleaned and polished before they are used as currency. The shells are still in use today, and they are recognized as legal tender in Papua New Guinea.
The Wampum of North America
Wampum is a currency that was used by Native Americans for centuries. The currency was made from shell beads, and it was used for trading goods and services. The currency was so valuable that it was used as a form of diplomacy between different tribes.
The Cowrie Shells of the Maldives
The Maldives is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, and it has a unique currency in the form of Cowrie shells. The shells are small and have a shiny surface, and they were used as currency for many years. Although the shells are no longer in use today, they are still considered a valuable collector’s item.
The Stone Money of Palau
Palau’s Stone Money is a unique currency that is still in use today. The currency is made from limestone, and it can weigh up to four metric tons. The bigger the stone, the more valuable it is. The stones are still used for big transactions such as buying land or houses.
The Somaliland Shilling
The Somaliland Shilling is a unique currency that was introduced in 1994. The currency was designed to help the people of Somaliland, a self-declared state in Somalia, to have a stable currency. The currency is made from plastic, and it comes in different colors to represent different denominations.
The Icelandic Krona
The Icelandic Krona is a unique currency because of its volatility. The currency has experienced significant fluctuations in value over the years, and it is not uncommon for the currency to lose or gain value by up to 30% in a single day. Despite its volatility, the Krona is still a popular currency among tourists who visit Iceland.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world has some very unusual and unique currencies that are still in use today. From the heavy Rai stones of Yap Island to the colorful Somaliland Shilling, these currencies are a reminder of the diversity of our world. While these currencies may seem strange to outsiders, they are an important part of the cultural heritage of the countries that use them.
