A blog in honour of Movember
Although the beard has made a major comeback in popular culture, the moustache still seems to be hanging in the, um, fringes of fashion, and still treated with a modicum of irony.
The annual Movember charity event has been a big boost for the fringe-dwelling facial fur, but it seems the only time of the year when the moustache becomes popular. Still, it’s a great event. We in the currency history trade, however, know that a moustache is never out of fashion.
Because money has always reflected a nation’s history and its historic leaders, currency has remained a showcase of the finest moustaches. Simply put, there are a lot of moustaches (and beards) on money. Admittedly, most of these moustachioed icons have been dead for the better part of a century, some for several, but this does little to dim the elegance and dignity of a good moustache.
In promoting Movember, and to honour this rather tarnished example of men’s grooming endeavours, we would like to present some of history’s great moustaches—as seen on bank notes from around the world.
William Molson Macpherson was president of the Molson Bank. Hopefully he used a mustache cup when enjoying a drink of beer. $10, Molson Bank, Canada, 1916
Jan Žižka of Trocnova was a Czech warrior who never lost a battle—only an eye. And his walrus moustache is as fearsome as his eye patch. 25 korunas, Czechoslovakia, 1961
The great Italian Renaissance sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini is here sporting an early handlebar along with an elegant imperial beard. 50,000 lire, Italy, 1992
Francis II Rákóczi was a prince of Transylvania and a member of the Order of the Golden Fleece. No, “fleece” does not refer to his facial hair. 500 forint, Hungary, 2006
Governor General, the Marquess of Lansdowne is here wearing an elegant waxed handlebar with a matching set of mutton chops. $2, Dominion of Canada, 1887
Of Sir Robert Borden’s 22-man cabinet, 13 had moustaches. I think we can safely say that ratio will never occur again. 100 dollars, Canada, 1976
This neatly trimmed military moustache belongs to the little brother of King Edward VIII and King George VI. He was Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. 100 dollars, Canada, 1935
That’s what is termed a “soup strainer” on Governor General, the Earl of Minto’s upper lip. Lady Minto is also featured. 4 dollars, Canada, 1902
A popular figure on old Canadian bank notes was Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec and proud moustache wearer. Maybe. Nobody actually knows what he looked like. 5 piastres (dollars), La Banque Ville-Marie, Canada, 1873
We want to hear from you! Do you have an idea for a blog post you’d like to see?
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Blog posts
The Museum Blog
October 21, 2021
Moving mountains
By: Graham Iddon
The $20 bill of 1969 was the prototype of the Scenes of Canada note series. Yet, as more notes were designed, the theme—and the $20 note itself—would change.
Content type(s):
Blog posts
September 16, 2021
A mythic metal: Some stories of gold coins
By: Krista Broeckx
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Content type(s):
Blog posts
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Virtual Worlds. Real Economies.
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The economies in modern, complex video games can teach gamers a lot about decision making and financial literacy.
Content type(s):
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Subject(s):
Economics,
Social studies
Grade level(s):
Grade 09 / Secondary 3,
Grade 10 / Secondary 4,
Grades 11 and 12 / Secondary 5
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Fur Trade Economics
Over its 350-year lifespan, the Hudson’s Bay Company has had an enormous impact on Canada’s economy and how the nation was settled.
Content type(s):
Blog posts
Subject(s):
Economics,
History,
Social studies
Grade level(s):
Grade 05,
Grade 06,
Grade 07 / Secondary 1,
Grade 08 / Secondary 2,
Grade 09 / Secondary 3,
Grade 10 / Secondary 4,
Grades 11 and 12 / Secondary 5
June 30, 2021
The house the Bank of Canada built
By: Graham Iddon
The Bank of Canada head office is two structures: the stone cube on Wellington Street and the glass structure that it is nestled into. Both are significant architectural landmarks.
Content type(s):
Blog posts
