Speaking of money

Posted on May 23, 2003 by Gene

… as I was a little while ago, I was just perusing the Bank of England’s website and their new banknotes. Again, I’m struck by the artistry in other countries’ cash, and how dowdy ours is by comparison. For example: the £20 note in England carries a picture of composer Sir Edward Elgar – you’ve heard his music at every graduation procession – and the background of the bill contains references to music everywhere. There are bass clefs in the background pattern, flat marks in the medallion, and a little piece of music under the “Bank of England” signature. There’s even an image of the patron saint of music, St. Cecilia.
Cash is something so ubiquitous that it makes a wonderful vehicle for cultural celebration and civic pride. It’s a pity we can’t muster anything better than a few buildings on ours. What’s more, I’m dead certain that the future of our cash is as a place for sponsored advertisements in order to prop up the government in the financial crisis that’s coming as a result of the Bush administration. Wouldn’t it be fun to spend a Taco Bell Ten at your local McDonald’s?