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
August 30, 2013
Most of us know the first part of Alexander Graham Bell’s take on opportunity: “When one door closes, another one opens…” What we often don’t recall is the second half of that quote, where he says: “…but we so often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.”
Director’s chair : “I don’t know why you say goodbye, I say hello.”
By: Ken Ross
Most of us know the first part of Alexander Graham Bell’s take on opportunity: “When one door closes, another one opens…” What we often don’t recall is the second half of that quote, where he says: “…but we so often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.”
Content type(s):
Blog posts
July 30, 2013
The Staff of the Currency Museum was saddened to learn of the passing of artist Alex Colville who died on 16 July at his home in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. He was 92. One of Canada’s most celebrated painters, Colville is not as well-known as a sculptor but if you look carefully through your pocket change you might just find an example of his work.
Remembering Alex Colville (1920-2013)
By: Raewyn Passmore
Content type(s):
Blog posts
June 21, 2013
The roots of the Currency Museum go back to 1959 when the then Governor of the Bank of Canada, James Coyne, proposed the idea of establishing a currency collection that would reflect the colourful monetary history of Canada. By the time the go-ahead was given in 1963 by Coyne’s successor, Louis Rasminsky, the collection’s mandate had been expanded to include world monetary history, banking and production artifacts and a numismatic library.
Farewell to the Currency Museum c.1980
By: Graham Iddon
Content type(s):
Blog posts
