Show me the (foreign) money!
May 6, 2010 11:36 AM Subscribe
What's the best way to get my hands on foreign currency from the around the world and especially from pre-Euro times/countries.
I've traveled a fair amount this last year and a half and make a habit of saving one banknote and at least one coin from each country/area I visit. And that made me realize that I really like the look of foreign currencies and would like to do something artistic with the notes.
Obviously current currencies can't be sold on eBay, but I'm wondering if there's some sort of easy/non-expensive way to get some of these notes without traveling all over or paying forex fees. I'm thinking local CL or something but is there something else?
And for currencies that were replaced by the Euro is eBay the best way? What are the chances that they might be fake? Are there resources out there where I might be less likely to get scammed?
Any suggestions in general?
I've traveled a fair amount this last year and a half and make a habit of saving one banknote and at least one coin from each country/area I visit. And that made me realize that I really like the look of foreign currencies and would like to do something artistic with the notes.
Obviously current currencies can't be sold on eBay, but I'm wondering if there's some sort of easy/non-expensive way to get some of these notes without traveling all over or paying forex fees. I'm thinking local CL or something but is there something else?
And for currencies that were replaced by the Euro is eBay the best way? What are the chances that they might be fake? Are there resources out there where I might be less likely to get scammed?
Any suggestions in general?
The Society of Paper Money Collectors led me to Paper Money Shows which has some good resources, also Paper Money Collector Network. have fun.
posted by adamvasco at 12:39 PM on May 6, 2010
posted by adamvasco at 12:39 PM on May 6, 2010
I recently just found my old coin collection from when I was a kid in the 80's during my last move, promise them a good home and they're yours.
posted by nulledge at 12:54 PM on May 6, 2010
posted by nulledge at 12:54 PM on May 6, 2010
You should have at least one coin/stamp collecting shop in Denver/any large enough city. They will have various coins/notes (for sale) and should be able to put you in touch with any local collectors organisations.
posted by jacalata at 1:22 PM on May 6, 2010
posted by jacalata at 1:22 PM on May 6, 2010
Make it part of your art project and ask people on your webpage to send you currencies. They will get their name mentioned in return for the project...
posted by yoyo_nyc at 3:21 PM on May 6, 2010
posted by yoyo_nyc at 3:21 PM on May 6, 2010
This guy tells 10 Deutsche Mark notes. (He markets them as "portraits of Gauss".)
posted by madcaptenor at 3:46 PM on May 6, 2010
posted by madcaptenor at 3:46 PM on May 6, 2010
MeMail me if you have interest in African currency. When I get back to the US in June I am sending a small trove of coin to another mefite as a gift, its just spare change from the 10-15ish countries I've been to around here, but if you're interested I'm sure we can work something out. I can include a 50 billion dollar note (now worthless) from Zimbabwe if you'd consider making a donation to a charity here.
posted by allkindsoftime at 2:18 AM on May 7, 2010
posted by allkindsoftime at 2:18 AM on May 7, 2010
Response by poster: allkindsoftime - consider it done. Do you have a favorite? One whose work seems to do the most good? I just got $250 that I didn't expect to get and will happily transfer that contribution an organization you recommend. And thanks for pointing out that comment. I'd missed it.
posted by FlamingBore at 10:08 AM on May 7, 2010
posted by FlamingBore at 10:08 AM on May 7, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by cabingirl at 12:25 PM on May 6, 2010