Abstract
Untold millions of banknotes circulate in the world, a few of them portraying a well-known scientist and others showing a technological object. This aspect of numismatics, the artistic presentation of science, has never been considered before. The detailed design of banknotes, man's most ingenious and most profitable invention, its themes and fashions, is discussed. Technology as a prestige subject on banknotes is demonstrated, first on historical notes depicting ships and railways, then in the modern context of bridges, dams and oil refineries. As a primary source of history, banknotes of science play a minor role. The design of the British £1 note, showing Newton, is detailed, and more than 50 banknotes of famous scientists are tabulated. It is concluded that regrettably few scientists, and not a single woman of science, have so far been chosen to enrich banknotes, the most prestigious visiting cards of all nations.
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