Money is something we deal with every day, yet it holds secrets and oddities that most of us never think about. From strange historical practices to mind-bending economic theories, the world of currency is far weirder than it seems. Here are five bizarre facts about money that will make you question everything you thought you knew.
1. The U.S. Once Had a $100,000 Bill (But You Couldn’t Spend It)
Believe it or not, the U.S. government once printed a $100,000 bill—the largest denomination ever created. Featuring President Woodrow Wilson, these bills were never meant for public use. Instead, they were used exclusively for transactions between Federal Reserve banks.
Why?
- Before electronic transfers, moving large sums between banks required physical cash.
- Printing high-denomination bills reduced the risk of theft and logistical hassles.
Despite their existence, owning one today is illegal unless you’re a collector with special permission. Most were destroyed, making surviving bills rare museum pieces.
2. Inflation Was So Bad in Zimbabwe That People Used Money as Toilet Paper
In the late 2000s, Zimbabwe experienced one of the worst hyperinflations in history. At its peak, prices doubled every 24 hours, rendering the Zimbabwean dollar practically worthless.
How Bad Did It Get?
- The government printed a 100 trillion-dollar note—worth about $0.40 USD at the time.
- People abandoned cash in favor of bartering or foreign currencies.
- Some used stacks of bills as kindling, wallpaper, or even toilet paper because they were cheaper than actual toilet paper.
The crisis forced Zimbabwe to abandon its currency entirely, switching to the U.S. dollar and other foreign money.
3. There’s a Country Where Money Literally Grows on Trees
The Micronesian island of Yap has one of the most unusual forms of currency in history: stone coins called “rai.” These aren’t small coins—some weigh as much as a car and stand taller than a person.
How Does It Work?
- The stones were quarried from distant islands and transported by canoe.
- Ownership is transferred verbally, without physically moving the stone.
- Even if a stone falls into the ocean, it still holds value as long as people remember who owns it.
This system is so trusted that modern banks in Yap still recognize these stones as legitimate assets.
4. The U.S. Penny Costs More to Make Than It’s Worth
The humble penny has become a financial paradox: it costs more to produce than its face value.
The Numbers:
- Cost to make one penny (2023): ~2.5 cents
- Total loss per year: Over $50 million
Why Keep Making Them?
- Tradition and resistance to change.
- The zinc lobby (pennies are 97.5% zinc) fights to keep them in circulation.
- Some argue eliminating pennies would cause price rounding issues, though countries like Canada and Australia phased them out without problems.
5. There’s a $1 Million Coin (And It Was Stolen in a Heist)
In 2007, Canada minted a 100 kg, 99.999% pure gold coin with a face value of $1 million CAD. Known as the “Big Maple Leaf,” it was more of a novelty than actual currency.
The Wild Part?
- In 2017, it was stolen from a Berlin museum in a daring heist.
- Thieves used a ladder to break in through a window.
- The coin was likely melted down, as its gold value was over $4 million at the time.
The coin remains one of the most bizarre examples of “money” that nobody could actually spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you still find a $100,000 bill? A: They’re extremely rare and mostly in museums. Owning one requires special permission from the U.S. government.
Q: What replaced the Zimbabwean dollar? A: Zimbabwe now primarily uses the U.S. dollar, South African rand, and other foreign currencies.
Q: Why doesn’t the U.S. abolish the penny? A: Political resistance, lobbying, and fears of rounding errors keep it in circulation—despite the losses.
Q: Are Yap’s stone coins still used today? A: Yes, though modern currency is more common, the stones remain part of cultural and ceremonial exchanges.
Q: Was the $1 million coin ever recovered? A: No—authorities believe it was melted down and sold as gold bars.
Final Thoughts
Money isn’t just paper and metal—it’s a reflection of human ingenuity, trust, and sometimes, sheer absurdity. From hyperinflation disasters to giant stone coins, these bizarre facts remind us that the concept of money is far stranger than we realize. Next time you pull out a dollar bill or a handful of change, remember: currency has a wild history that’s anything but ordinary.