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?
Content type(s):
Blog posts
The Museum Blog
November 6, 2014
This is not the time for ‘nay sayers’. Basically, we planned a luxury car knowing that when all was said and done, it was going to be a very nice family sedan (maybe with the big engine?).
The Adventure of Exhibit Planning VI
By: Graham Iddon
Content type(s):
Blog posts
September 29, 2014
Now the writer takes a deep breath and attempts to take a subject like the ‘representation of 75 years of national identity as depicted on stamps and bank notes’ from 50 pages of research and squash it into 65 words.
The Adventure of Exhibit Planning V
By: Graham Iddon
Content type(s):
Blog posts
August 6, 2014
For much of their history, Canadian bank notes have represented a promise, a guarantee that they could be redeemed for “specie” (gold and silver coins) at their parent institution.
The Senior Deputy Governor’s Signature
By: Graham Iddon
Content type(s):
Blog posts
July 28, 2014
Suppose you walk into a bar frequented by currency collectors and in an attempt to join in you refer to a ‘planchette’ as a ‘rosette’ (beer mugs hit the tables and the pianist stops playing). This could be pretty humiliating and you’ll probably never be able to go to that bar again, at least not on numismatic night.
Becoming a Collector V
By: Graham Iddon
Content type(s):
Blog posts
July 21, 2014
Now that you have a grasp of preservation techniques for coins, you might want to familiarize yourself with the finer points of their anatomy. It is all part of your numismatic education and besides, you need to be informed and sound informed when you are buying coins at flea markets or coin fairs.
Becoming a Collector IV
By: Graham Iddon
Content type(s):
Blog posts
