Collection Inspiration: Clock Towers

Posted on 3/25/2025

Discover the timeless beauty and significance of clock towers featured on banknotes from around the world.

Rising above cityscapes with their intricate designs and towering presence, clock towers have long served as both practical timekeepers and enduring symbols of culture, history and architecture. From medieval bell towers to modern landmarks, these structures have marked the passage of time for centuries, guiding daily life in bustling metropolises and quiet villages alike. Their presence on banknotes further cements their significance, celebrating their role in shaping national identity and historical legacy.

Timekeeping itself remains a complex global practice. In much of the United States and Canada, Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday in March, shifting an hour forward to make better use of evening daylight. Meanwhile, most European nations wait until the last Sunday in March to reset their clocks. However, a significant portion of the world does not observe these seasonal changes, keeping their time consistent year-round.

Ten banknotes featuring clock towers



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Turkey 1970 500 Lirasi — İzmir Clock Tower

This note features the iconic İzmir Clock Tower, a historic symbol of the city and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Built in 1901 to commemorate Sultan Abdulhamid II’s 25th anniversary on the throne, the elegant, intricately detailed tower stands in Konak Square, serving as both a landmark and a gathering place. Its inclusion on the banknote highlights its cultural significance and enduring presence in Turkey’s historical and architectural heritage.



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Syria 1920 10 Livres — Grand Serail Clock Tower in Beirut

This banknote shows another Ottoman clock tower built to commemorate the rule of Abdulhamid II. Construction began in 1897 for this clock tower at the Grand Serail government complex in Beirut, Lebanon. It needed significant restoration following the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s and 1980s.



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Seychelles 2011 50 Rupees — Victoria Clock Tower

This banknote features the Victoria Clock Tower, a striking relic of the islands’ colonial past that has stood in the capital since 1903. Modeled after London’s Vauxhall Clock Tower, it was erected to honor Queen Victoria, and despite the vast changes around it, the tower remains largely unchanged — a rare constant in a rapidly developing nation. Often called "Little Big Ben," it serves as a reminder of Seychelles' British heritage while standing at the heart of a society that has long since shaped its own distinct identity.



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Suriname 2004 1 Dollar — Paramaribo Clock Tower

This banknote showcases the elegant wooden clock tower of Paramaribo’s Ministry of Finance building, a rare example of 19th-century Dutch colonial architecture in South America. The structure is a striking landmark in the capital, standing tall amid the city’s blend of cultures and histories. More than just a timekeeper, the tower is a symbol of Suriname’s colonial past and independent present, its clock hands marking the passage of time in a nation that continues to evolve while preserving its heritage.



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Libya 2015 5 Dinars — Clock Tower of Tripoli

This banknote features the iconic Clock Tower of Tripoli, Libya, a relic of Ottoman rule that has watched over the city for more than 150 years. Tucked within the old medina, this white, square-shaped tower stands in stark contrast to the modern bustle of Libya’s capital, its steady ticking a reminder of a past that still lingers. More than just a timepiece, the tower has become a silent witness to the country’s shifting political landscapes.



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Bermuda 2009 2 Dollars — Sessions House Clock Tower

This banknote features the clock tower of the Sessions House in Hamilton, a stately remnant of Bermuda’s British colonial past. Built in the 1800s, the tower overlooks the island’s capital, its design a testament to the era when Bermuda’s government took shape under British rule. Today, the clock stands not just as a timekeeper but as a quiet observer of the island’s political and social evolution, its chimes echoing through a city where history and modern island life intertwine.



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Hong Kong 2003 50 Dollars — Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower

This banknote pays tribute to one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower. Standing tall since 1915, this red brick and granite structure was once part of the Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus, a gateway that connected Hong Kong to mainland China. Though the station is long gone, the tower remains, a steadfast reminder of the city’s colonial past and its rapid transformation into a global metropolis. As the skyline around it continues to evolve, the clock tower holds its place, linking generations through the rhythm of time.



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Great Britain 2015 5 Pounds — Big Ben Clock Tower

The Great Britain 2015 5 Pounds banknote highlights the Elizabeth Tower — famously known as Big Ben, one of the most iconic clock towers in the world. A symbol of British endurance and tradition, Big Ben has stood proudly since 1859, its clock not just keeping time but marking the heartbeat of London. Though its chimes have echoed through countless moments in history, it also reflects a modern, ever-changing Britain — rooted in its past but facing forward. Featured on the note, the tower is more than just a national treasure; it represents the pulse of a nation that continues to innovate while honoring its heritage.



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North Macedonia 1993 20 Denari — Skopje Clock Tower

This banknote showcases the clock tower of Skopje, one of the country’s most recognizable historical landmarks. Built in the late 16th century during the Ottoman period, the tower stands 30 meters tall as a symbol of the city’s cultural and architectural heritage. Its inclusion on the note reflects the North Macedonian capital’s role as a crossroads of civilizations, where different empires and cultures left their mark.



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Russian Federation 2022 100 Rubles — Spasskaya Tower in Moscow

This banknote features the Spasskaya Tower (located on the Kremlin’s eastern wall), which has reportedly included a clock for more than 400 years. Commissioned by Ivan the Great, the Spasskaya Tower on Moscow’s Red Square has long been looked at with great reverence by the Russian people. Located a stone’s throw from the colorful onion-shaped domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral often associated with Moscow’s seat of government, the Kremlin became a World Heritage Site in 1990.

If these notes inspired you, check out our other Collection Inspiration columns for more collecting ideas, including castles, palaces and churches. Also, be sure to follow PMG on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for articles and interesting notes posted daily.

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