Collection Inspiration: Year of the Horse

The Chinese New Year has brought us into the Year of the Horse, putting the spotlight on an animal renowned for its energy and independence. Horses have filled a variety of roles in serving human civilization since their domestication about 6,000 years ago (after dogs, sheep, pigs, cattle, goats, cats, chickens and several other animals). Their contributions and spirit have been honored on banknotes from around the world.

Macau - 2014 10 Patacas - Year of the Horse

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This note from Macau was issued as part of that Chinese special administrative region's zodiac series. In the legendary story of the Great Race sponsored by the Jade Emperor to determine the order of the animals in the calendar, the horse was poised to finish sixth. But the snake (who had hidden in itself in the horse's hoof) appeared near the end of the race, frightening the horse and costing him a better finish.

China / People's Republic 1951 10,000 Yuan

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One of the rarest notes in Chinese numismatics is Pick# 858Aa, which is known for the horses depicted on the front. These high-denomination notes were printed in relatively limited numbers for the sparsely populated Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, leading to their rarity today. An example graded PMG 25 Very Fine realized $186,000 at a Stack's Bowers Galleries auction in 2019.

Yugoslavia, National Bank 1946 500 Dinara

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This Yugoslavia note depicts a common use of domesticated horses: agriculture. So renowned are horses for their strength that Scottish engineer James Watt coined the term "horsepower" to measure the strength of his steam engines.

Ireland - Eire, Hibernian Bank Ltd. 1939-40 1 Pound

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Horses working in a field are also shown on these notes from Ireland's Ploughman series, which began in 1929. Ireland had recently gained its independence after centuries of British rule, and deep symbolism can be interpreted in the use of the horses on these notes.

Bahamas, Monetary Authority 1968 20 Dollars

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Horses have contributed to transportation since antiquity and were typically the fastest option over land until recent times. This Bahamas note shows people taking a leisurely ride in a horse-drawn surrey along the beach. Surrey rides remain popular with tourists today in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.

Chile, Banco Central ND (1962-75) 10 Escudos

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Horses are also known for the power they can project on the field of battle. This Chile banknote depicts rebel leaders Jose de San Martin and Bernardo O'Higgins embracing on horses following the Battle of Maipu, a decisive victory that earned Chile its independence from Spain.

Afghanistan / Democratic Republic ND (1979) / SH1358 500 Afghanis

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Horses have a major role in the sports world, including in modern sports such as horse racing and polo, as well as ancient sports such as chariot racing. This Afghanistan note depicts its national sport of Buzkashi, in which athletes on horses compete in a centuries-old game similar to polo.

Turkmenistan, Central Bank 2005 50 Manat

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Bred for their speed in racing, an Akhal-Teke horse is shown on the back of this Turkmenistan note standing in front of a racing facility. This breed of horses has a distinctive golden sheen that adds to its reputation.

French Equatorial Africa ND (1941) 25 Francs

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A man with a horse is shown on this French Equatorial Africa note. While the use of horses has spread to much of the world, they are not native to Africa. A disease carried by the tsetse fly makes central and southern Africa a generally hostile environment for horses.

Bahrain, Central Bank 2006 (ND 2008) 1 Dinar

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Many works of literature celebrate the sense of freedom embodied by horses. So, let's wrap things up with a scene of Arabian horses galloping freely on this Bahrain note.

If you're interested in more inspiring banknotes, check out our other Collection Inspiration columns for more collecting ideas, including ones centered on other lunar calendar animals, including snakes, dragons, tigers and oxen. Also, be sure to follow PMG on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter for other articles and interesting notes posted daily.

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