Prop Money From Around the World

There are over 180 different types of currency from around the world. That is a lot of money exchanging from one hand to another and being traded from one country to the next. Although all currency is valuable and can be used just about anywhere you travel, There are 7 types that are more commonly traded. 

Because of the frequent use and trading of these different currencies, it’s not much of a shock to think that they are all made as props as well. To create movies in their home countries, or to be used in films on the other side of the planet. All types of money have been replicated to become famous one way or another.

This article will be all about movie prop money from around the world. How it looks and what laws have been set in place to keep the money from becoming a counterfeit scheme.

The Top 7 Movie Money Props From Around the World

Take a look at the most used currencies from around the world. Admire the differences in designs and uniqueness. Each country has created its money to represent something meaningful.

1. U.S. dollar (USD)

Obviously, we all know the US dollar-designed currency. Here our money comes in bill denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100.  And of course, there are the coins pennies(1c), nickels(5c), dimes (10c), and quarters (25c).

In the US, prop money is created to look almost identical to the real thing, minus the material it is made from, and the size. (plus a few extra tweaks for security purposes.)

2. Canadian dollar (CAD)

The most commonly used Canadian bills are $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Their coins are 10c, 25c $1, $2, and $5.

This currency is much brighter and a lot more colorful than US money and takes a little more ink to re-create. Canadian prop laws are very similar to America’s money, so their bills will also be a different size and texture than the real thing. 

3. Euro (EUR)

There are 7 common Euro bills in the economy today €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. They are all different colors and sizes making them all very distinct. The Euro coins also designed to look unique from one another. The coin variations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, €1, and €2. 

According to the European laws reproduction of the euro is only legal if the images are not detrimental to the image. The coins and other medals can be re-created as long as there is no chance of them being confused with the real coin, and all prop euros must be at least 50% smaller or larger than the real ones.

4. British pound (GBP)

In Brittan, the currency comes in denominations of notes, £5, £10, £20 and £50, and denomination of coins, 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2. There are 100 pence to every pound. Currency in Brittan is brightly colored and easy to identify.

In Egland, it is illegal to produce any prop currency that is the same material or size as real money. No one is allowed to re-create these bills double-sided, and there should never be any distortion or changes what-so-ever to the Queen’s face. All Bills must be distinguishable from actual currency.

5. Swiss franc (CHF)

There are 3 types of currency floating around in Switzerland today, coins, francs, and notes. They have  5, 10, and 20 cents in coins, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 francs, and banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 1,000 francs.

Due to a large problem with counterfeit currency being created and used frequently, the recreation of Swiss money is no longer legal. For any type of advertising or training purposes, the Swiss Nation Bank will loan fake money with the word “specimen” written across it. 

6. New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

The New Zealand dollar comes in 2 sets of 5 notes. Each set includes $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Each bill has a different color and size.

If you wanted to create New Zealand prop money, you would be required to follow 3 main guidelines to do so. These three rules state your recreation must be 125% more or 75% less than the real thing, the resolutions can not be more than 72% dpi, and only one-sided recreations are allowed.

7.  Australian Dollar (AUD)

Australian currency comes in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. And  5, 10, 20, and 50 cents,  and one and two dollar denominations. The Australian notes are bright and full of colors and very unique.

In order to re-create Australian currency, you are not allowed to print on both sides of the bill, the Reserve Bank of Australia is not allowed to be shown anywhere on the money, and the money has to be less the 3 quarters the width and length of real currency.

Conclusion

It doesn’t matter where you go these days, counterfeit currency and malicious acts are more prevalent than ever. Every county around the world has to take precautions and put laws in place to make prop money possible while keeping counterfeiters at bay.

Although every different type of currency is different in its own ways, the rules regarding their recreations are very similar, making them the best ways to keep the world economy safe.