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
October 21, 2020
The men on the back of this bill were part of a small community of families, a summer hunting camp called Aulatsiivik on Baffin Island.
The Story Behind the Engraving
By: Graham Iddon
Content type(s):
Blog posts
October 5, 2020
When the Barenaked Ladies released “If I Had a $1,000,000,” they could have considered themselves reasonably rich. And today? Well, there’s this inflation thing…
If I Had a Million Dollars…I’d Be Reasonably Well Off
By: Graham Iddon
Content type(s):
Blog posts
Subject(s):
Economy,
Math,
Social studies
Grade level(s):
Grade 07 / Secondary 1,
Grade 08 / Secondary 2,
Grade 09 / Secondary 3,
Grade 10 / Secondary 4,
Grades 11 and 12 / Secondary 5 and CEGEP
July 16, 2020
Johnson’s entire family, two girls and five boys, was involved in the counterfeiting operation: dad made the plates, the daughters forged the signatures and the boys were learning to be engravers.
Johnson’s Counterfeits
By: David Bergeron
Content type(s):
Blog posts
June 29, 2020
Among 1975 $50 bill’s various design proposals were three images, three thematic colours and even three printing methods.
The Reluctant Bank Note
By: Graham Iddon
Content type(s):
Blog posts
June 11, 2020
Using a Bank of Canada Museum lesson plan, nearly 200 students told us who they thought should be the bank NOTE-able Canadian on our new $5 bill.
Nominating an Icon for the Next $5 Bank Note
By: Graham Iddon
Content type(s):
Blog posts
Subject(s):
History,
Social studies
Grade level(s):
Grade 06,
Grade 07 / Secondary 1,
Grade 08 / Secondary 2,
Grade 09 / Secondary 3,
Grade 10 / Secondary 4
