2021-04-07 Wed

Banknotes are designed to fit into a typical wallet. Sometimes, however, requirements for banknotes can change, and this can lead to innovations that we might not expect, such as exceptionally large or small notes. Here’s the Smallest Banknote of the World.

The Guinness World Records book of 2008 listed Romania’s 10-Bani banknote, printed in 1917, as the tiniest banknote ever printed. The dimensions of the 10-Bani note are 38mm in length and 27.5mm tall.

Romania printed these after World War I as a response to metal shortages. Not only were they the smallest ever banknotes in terms of physical size, but they also represent the lowest-denomination notes ever printed in Romania. The notes were printed to replace small coins, and they are divisionary notes (100 bani = 1 leu).

The Romanian 10-Bani note from 1917 features the likeness of King Ferdinand of Romania, who reigned from 1914 until 1927. The reverse side displays the coat of arms of Romania.

Image Courtesy: banknoteworld.com