A country's currency is a world business card, and the reasons for printing animals on a country's currency may be varied, but all are related to the country's culture, history, tourism and economic interests. There are cultural and historical symbols, such as the panda and dragon in Chinese culture, which can be used as currency patterns to reflect their cultural values. There are works by printing specific animals on the currency to commemorate an event or anniversary. Canada's Beverlake Gold Coin, for example, was issued to celebrate the country's 150th anniversary, and it features a beaver printed on it. The use of animals as currency patterns can play a role in promoting tourism resources. For example, kangaroos and koalas in Australia are among the country's famous tourist resources. There is also its use as a currency pattern to raise awareness and conservation awareness of these animals. At the same time, the image of these animals can also become a brand identity for the country's export goods. For example, South Africa's lions, cheetahs and other wild animals are one of the country's important economic resources.
The following is to introduce you to the animals on the currencies of various Asian countries, if you are interested, please remember to like, the follow-up Xiaobian will update more animals on the regional currency according to the number of likes, thank you ~
1. China
The animals printed on Chinese currency are mainly pandas and swans, and pandas are rare animals unique to China and enjoy a high reputation in the world. Since 1982, China has been printing panda motifs on its currency to promote the importance of protecting pandas and protecting the environment. At present, People's Bank of China has issued several series of panda commemorative coins and gold and silver commemorative coins of various denominations.
In 2011, People's Bank of China issued a set of commemorative coins called "Swan Lake", which are printed with beautiful swan patterns. The set consists of 6 coins, 1 yuan, 5 dimes, 1 dimes, 5 cents, 1 cent and 1/10 ounce gold coins, each with a swan in a different posture. In addition, many other animals appeared on currency throughout Chinese history. For example, Longyang, Panlongyang, etc. in the Qing Dynasty are printed with dragon patterns; During the Republican period, there were also banknotes printed with peacocks, unicorns and other patterns.
2. United Arab Emirates
The monetary unit of the United Arab Emirates is the dirham, whose currency code is AED. There is usually a camel pattern printed on the currency, because in the past history, the camel was a very important symbol of transportation and wealth for the Arabs. In addition, some of the earlier Emirati dirham coins also used to have other animals such as lions and eagles printed on them.
3. Georgia
The currency of Georgia is the lari and the animal on it is the horse. The Larry coin features the national coat of arms on the obverse, including a cross, oak leaves and 8 pointed stars symbolizing the sun, and a galloping horse on the reverse. This galloping horse is one of the national symbols of Georgia and also represents the courage and free spirit of the people of the country.
4. Cambodia
The animal in Cambodian currency is the royal white elephant. The country's monetary unit is the riel, whose coins and banknotes are printed with the motif of the royal white elephant. This elephant is considered one of Cambodia's national symbols and has an important place in the country's history and culture. The royal white elephant is considered a sacred animal in Cambodia, representing power, sacredness and luck. Therefore, it has become one of the important elements in the Cambodian currency.
5. Mongolia
The animal on Mongolian currency is a wild horse. The country's monetary unit is the Tugrik, whose coins and banknotes are printed with the motif of wild horses. Wild horses gallop freely across the Mongolian steppe and are regarded as a symbol of Mongolian national spirit and steppe culture. At the same time, wild horses are also very important animals in Mongolian history, it is not only the main equipment of the Mongolian army, but also one of the traditional diets of the Mongolian people. Therefore, wild horses became one of the important elements of Mongolian currency.
6. Bangladesh
The monetary unit of Bangladesh is the taka, and neither its coins nor banknotes have animal motifs printed on them. However, on some early versions of the taka banknote, the Bengal tiger was printed. The Bengal tiger is the national animal of Bangladesh and one of the world's endangered species. Due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction, their numbers have declined drastically and they have been placed on the endangered species list. Although no animal motifs are printed on current taka banknotes, the Bengal tiger remains a very important part of the country's culture and ecosystem.
7. Myanmar
The monetary unit of Myanmar is the kyat, whose coins and banknotes are printed with animal motifs. In the obverse center of the kyat coin, a peacock hovering over a rock is printed with the national emblem and English text. Known as the "Royal Peacock", the peacock of Myanmar is the country's national bird and a very important part of Myanmar's culture and history. In addition, on the kyat banknotes, there are some other animals such as elephants, tigers and crocodiles. These animals are important in both Myanmar culture and wildlife.
8. Nepal
Nepal's monetary unit is the rupee, and its coins and banknotes are printed with animal motifs. In the obverse center of the Nepalese coin, there is a portrait of the king and there are English and Nepalese scripts. On the back of the coin, there are different animals printed on it, such as spotted deer, peacock, rhinoceros, etc. Among them, rhinos are considered one of the sacred animals in Nepal, and they are widely distributed in national parks in the south of the country. In addition, Nepal is home to the world's largest species of takin, the wild yak, which is also one of the country's most important wildlife. Therefore, on Nepalese coins and banknotes, the motifs of these animals are printed to show the rich natural and cultural heritage of Nepal.
9.Japan
Japan's monetary unit is the Japanese yen, whose coins and banknotes are printed with animal motifs. In the center of the obverse of the yen coin, there is a portrait of the emperor with Japanese characters and a year number. On the back of the coin, there are different animals printed with them, such as peacocks, deer, giant pandas, etc. In addition, on the yen banknote, there are also some animal motifs, such as birds, horses, Iwate goats, etc. Among them, deer are regarded as one of the auspicious animals in Japan, they are widely distributed in the country and often appear in Japanese culture and art. In addition, although the giant panda is not unique to Japan, in recent years Japan and the mainland have jointly protected the giant panda and regarded it as one of the symbols of friendly cooperation. Therefore, on the Japanese currency, the motifs of these animals are printed to highlight Japanese culture and friendly international relations.
10. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's monetary unit is the rupee, and its coins and banknotes are printed with animal motifs. In the obverse center of a Sri Lankan coin, a portrait of the king is printed with English and Ceylon script. On the back of the coin, there are different animals such as peacocks, elephants, rhinos, etc. Among them, Sri Lanka is one of the most important peacock habitats in the world, and the peacock is also the country's national bird and is regarded as a symbol of good luck. In addition, Asian elephants are widely distributed in Sri Lanka, which are one of the important representatives of Sri Lanka's wildlife and are often found in Sri Lankan cultural and artistic works. Therefore, on the Sri Lankan currency, the motifs of these animals are printed to show the rich natural and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
11. India
India's monetary unit is the rupee, and its coins and banknotes are printed with animal motifs. In the obverse center of the Indian coin, there is an image of the national monument Taji Mahal with English and Hindi scripts. On the back of the coin, different animals such as peacocks, tigers, rhinos, etc. are printed. Among them, the peacock is the national bird of India and a very important part of the country's culture and history. In addition, wildlife such as Bengal tigers and Indian rhinos are widely distributed in India, which play an important role in the conservation and management of Indian wildlife. Therefore, on Indian currency, the motifs of these animals are printed to show the natural and cultural heritage of India.
12. Indonesia
Indonesia's monetary unit is the rupee, and its coins and banknotes are printed with animal motifs. In the obverse center of the Indonesian coin, a portrait of a national hero is printed with Indonesian script. On the back of the coin, there are different animals such as eagles, dragons, rhinos, etc. Among them, Indonesia's national bird is the Borneo green-winged robin, which is distributed in the country's forests and is regarded as one of Indonesia's natural symbols. In addition, wildlife such as koalas and Indonesian tigers are widely distributed in Indonesia, which play an important role in the country's ecosystem protection and cultural heritage. Therefore, on the Indonesian currency, the motifs of these animals are printed to show the natural and cultural diversity of the country.
13. Vietnam
Vietnam's monetary unit is the Vietnamese dong, and its coins and banknotes are printed with animal motifs. In the obverse center of the Vietnamese dong coin, the head of Ho Chi Minh is printed with Vietnamese and English text. On the back of the coin, there are different animals such as fish, turtles, birds, etc. Among them, Vietnam's national bird is the cuckoo, which is distributed in the country's forests and is regarded as one of Vietnam's natural symbols. In addition, wild animals such as buffalo and mongoose are widely distributed in Vietnam, which play an important role in the country's ecosystem protection and cultural heritage. Therefore, on the Vietnamese currency, the motifs of these animals are printed to show the natural and cultural diversity of the country.
14. South Korea
The monetary unit of South Korea is the Korean won, whose coins and banknotes are printed with animal motifs. In the center of the obverse of the won coin, the national emblem and English text are printed. On the back of the coin, there are different animals such as tigers, cranes, rabbits, etc. Among them, tigers are regarded as one of the auspicious animals in Korea, and they often appear in Korean art and cultural works. In addition, there are also some animal motifs printed on the Korean won banknotes, such as cranes, butterflies, carp, etc. These animals are very important in both Korean culture and natural environment, so they have become one of the important elements of the Korean currency.
15. Philippines
The monetary unit of the Philippines is the Philippine peso, whose coins and banknotes are printed with animal motifs. In the obverse center of the Philippine peso coin, the head of a national hero is printed with English and Filipino text. On the back of the coin, there are different animals such as tigers, peacocks, Asian buffaloes, etc. Among them, the national bird of the Philippines is the swallow, which is distributed in the country's forests and is regarded as one of the symbols of Filipino nature. In addition, wildlife such as monkeys, crocodiles, and bats are widely distributed in the Philippines, which play an important role in the country's ecosystem protection and cultural heritage. Therefore, on the Philippine currency, the motifs of these animals are printed to show the natural and cultural diversity of the country.
16. Thailand
Thailand's monetary unit is the Thai baht, whose coins and banknotes are printed with animal motifs. In the obverse center of the Thai baht coin, the head of the king is printed with Thai text. On the back of the coin, there are different animals, such as elephants, tigers, crocodiles, etc. Among them, the national elephant of Thailand is the Asian elephant, which is distributed in the country's forests and is regarded as one of the symbols of Thai nature. In addition, wild animals such as leopards and peacocks are widely distributed in Thailand, which play an important role in the country's ecosystem conservation and cultural heritage. Therefore, on the Thai currency, the motifs of these animals are printed to show the natural and cultural diversity of the country.
17. Singapore
Singapore's monetary unit is the Singapore dollar, which has animal motifs printed on both its coins and banknotes. In the obverse center of the Singapore dollar coin, an image of the Merlion of the National Monument is printed with English and Malay script. On the back of the coin, different animals such as peacocks, butterflies, lobsters, etc. are printed. Among them, Singapore's national bird is the red-billed acacia, which is distributed in the country's forests and urban parks and is regarded as one of Singapore's natural symbols. Insects such as butterflies, dragonflies and praying mantis are also widely distributed in Singapore, which play an important role in the country's ecosystem protection and cultural heritage. Therefore, on the Singapore currency, the motifs of these animals are printed to show the country's natural and cultural diversity.
18. Laos
The animal on the Laotian currency is the white elephant on the coat of arms. This white elephant has an important place in Lao culture and religion and is considered a symbol of purity, wisdom and strength. In addition, there are some other animals in Laos that also have special significance in the local area, such as buffalo, birds and snakes.
19. Malaysia
There are many species of animals on Malaysian currency, the most famous of which is the Malay hornbill on the coat of arms. Known as "Badak Sumatera" in Malaysia, the Malay hornbill is one of the endemic species to the region. In addition to this, Malaysia's RM1 coin is printed with an eagle flapping its wings, symbolizing freedom and strength; The 50 cent coin features a killer whale. In addition, on Malaysian banknotes, many other animals like elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, birds, etc. can be seen.
20. Brunei
Brunei's currency is the Brunei dollar, which is printed with some endemic animals. The most famous of these is the bald eagle on the coat of arms, a bird that is very rare in Southeast Asia and is considered a prized species. In addition, Brunei's $1 coin features a monkey and the 50 cent coin features a carp. Brunei's banknotes also feature many different species of animals, such as elephants, royal sharks, and killer whales, which are representatives of Brunei's natural resources and cultural heritage.
21. Bhutan
Bhutan's currency is Ngultrum, which is printed with some endemic animals. The most famous of these is the black-necked crane on the coat of arms, a bird considered sacred in Bhutan and even revered as the "angel bird". In addition, Bhutan's 1 Nurtrum coin bears a money leopard and the 5 Nurtrum coin bears a tiger. Bhutanese banknotes also feature many different species of animals, such as white-crowned gibbons, goats, wild elephants, etc., which are representative of Bhutan's natural resources and cultural heritage.
22. Pakistan
The currency of Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee, which has some local animals printed on it. The most famous of these is the peacock on the coat of arms, a bird considered a symbol of beauty and nobility in Pakistan. In addition, Pakistan's 1 rupee coin has a leopard and a deer on a 2 rupee coin. Pakistan's banknotes also feature many different species of animals, such as zebras, goats, bison, ostrichs, etc., which are representatives of Pakistan's natural resources and cultural heritage.
23. Maldives
The currency of the Maldives is Rufiyaa, which is printed with some endemic animals. The most famous of these is the dolphin on the coat of arms, a mammal that is very common in the waters around the Maldives. In addition, the Maldivian 1 raffia coin has a red panda and the 2 raffia coin has a palm bird. Maldivian banknotes also show many different species of animals, such as sharks, turtles, buffaloes, bats, etc., which are representative of the natural resources and cultural heritage of the Maldives.
24. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's currency is Tenge, which has some local animals printed on it. The most famous of these is the swan on the coat of arms, a waterbird considered a symbol of purity and elegance in Kazakhstan. In addition, Kazakhstan's 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 tenge coins are printed with a horse's head, while the 100 tenge coins have an antelope. There are also many different species of animals on Kazakh banknotes, such as cheetahs, wild horses, tigers, etc., which are representatives of Kazakhstan's natural resources and cultural heritage.
25. Kyrgyzstan
The currency of Kyrgyzstan is the som, which has some local animals printed on it. The most famous of these is the snow leopard on the coat of arms, a feline that is very rare in Central Asia and is considered a prized species. In addition, Kyrgyzstan's 1 som coin bears a goat and a 5 som coin with a camel. Kyrgyzstan's banknotes also feature many different species of animals, such as tigers, wild horses, eagles, etc., which are representatives of Kyrgyzstan's natural resources and cultural heritage.
26. Uzbekistan
The currency of Uzbekistan is Sum, which has some local animals printed on it. The most famous of these is the gray wolf on the coat of arms, a beast of prey that is very common in Central Asia and is considered a symbol of wildness and strength. In addition, Uzbekistan's 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 sumi coins all have a grouse on them, while the 100 sumi coins have a wild horse on them. Uzbek banknotes also show many different species of animals, such as tigers, wild goats, swans, etc., which are representatives of Uzbekistan's natural resources and cultural heritage.
27. Turkmenistan
The currency of Turkmenistan is the manat, which has some local animals printed on it. The most famous of these is the Akhal-Teke horse on the coat of arms, which is very famous in Central Asia and is considered a fast, graceful and noble animal. In addition, Turkmenistan's 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 manat coins all have a swan printed on them, while 100 manat coins have a lion. There are also many different kinds of animals on Turkmenistan's banknotes, such as tigers, wild horses, fish, etc., which are representatives of Turkmenistan's natural resources and cultural heritage.
28. Afghanistan
The currency of Afghanistan is the afghani, which has some local animals printed on it. However, due to the political instability in Afghanistan and the chaotic currency situation, there is no unified design standard. However, in the past, Afghan coins often featured horses, sheep, goats and other animals associated with local agriculture and animal husbandry, while banknotes often featured famous buildings and historical and cultural heritage motifs.
29. Iraq
Iraq's currency is the Iraqi Dinar, which has some local animals printed on it. The most famous of these is the eagle on the coat of arms, a bird of prey that is very common in the Middle East and is considered a symbol of bravery, freedom and strength. In addition, Iraqi coins and banknotes also appear with many different kinds of animals, such as jackals, camels, carp, etc., which are representative of Iraq's natural resources and cultural heritage. However, it should be noted that due to the relatively unstable political and security situation in Iraq, the currency may change design frequently or circulate during certain periods.
30. Jordan
Jordan's currency is the Jordanian Dinar, which has some local animals printed on it. The most famous of these is the eagle on the coat of arms, a bird of prey that is very common in the Middle East and is considered a symbol of bravery, freedom and strength. In addition, Jordanian coins and banknotes also appear on many different species of animals, such as lions, scorpions, squirrels, etc., which are representatives of Jordan's natural resources and cultural heritage. Moreover, Jordan issues commemorative coins to commemorate historic or important events, and the patterns on these commemorative coins also involve animals, such as the commemorative coin commemorating the 25th anniversary of Jordan's opposition to the signing of the Washington Treaty in 1995.
31. Lebanon
Lebanon's currency is the Lebanese pound, which is printed with some local animals. The most famous of these is the Phoenix on the coat of arms, a mythical animal of great importance in ancient Lebanese civilization and considered a symbol of immortality and rebirth. In addition, Lebanese coins and banknotes also appear on many different species of animals, such as parrots, fish, goats, etc., which are representative of Lebanon's natural resources and cultural heritage. Moreover, Lebanon also issues commemorative coins to commemorate historic or important events, and the patterns on these commemorative coins also involve animals, such as the commemorative coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of the US moon landing in 2019, which have a lunar module and an eagle printed on them.
32. Israel
Israel's currency is the New Shekel, which has some local animals printed on it. The most famous of these is the Jewish lamp on the coat of arms, a symbol that represents Jewish culture and spirituality. In addition, Israeli coins and banknotes also appear on many different kinds of animals, such as birds, fish, turtles, etc., which are representative of Israel's natural resources and cultural heritage. At the same time, Israel has also issued commemorative coins to commemorate important historical events or people, and the patterns on these commemorative coins will also involve animals, such as the commemorative coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Jerusalem, which have lions and doves printed on them.
33. Bahrain
Bahrain's currency is Bahraini Dinar, which has some local animals printed on it. The most famous of these are the two lions and a palm eagle on the coat of arms, which are symbolic animals of Bahrain. In addition, Bahrain's coins and banknotes also appear on many different kinds of animals, such as camels, antelopes, fish, etc., which are representative of Bahrain's natural resources and cultural heritage. At the same time, Bahrain will also issue commemorative coins to commemorate historical or important events, and the patterns on these commemorative coins will also involve animals, such as the commemorative coins commemorating the 2012 United Arab Emirates summit, which have red-crowned cranes and steppe horses.
34. Qatar
The animal on Qatari currency is a falcon. In Qatari culture, the falcon is a revered bird that is used as a symbol of hunting and sports. As a result, the falcon has also become the national bird of Qatar and has appeared in various symbols, coats of arms and currency in the country. Qatar's monetary unit is the rial, and some of these coins and banknotes bear the image of a falcon to showcase Qatar's cultural characteristics and indigenous traditions.
35. Kuwait
The animal in Kuwaiti currency is a camel. In Kuwaiti culture, camels are an important domestic animal because they can adapt to desert environments and provide a variety of uses such as meat, milk, wool, and transportation. As a result, the camel has also become one of the symbols of Kuwait and has appeared on various important occasions such as the country's symbols, coats of arms and currency. Kuwait's monetary unit is the dinar, and some of these coins and banknotes bear the image of a camel as a way to showcase Kuwait's cultural characteristics and indigenous traditions.