Collection Inspiration: Natural World Heritage Sites

Paper money collectors often focus on a particular nation or even a particular series. This column is designed to offer ideas for building a collection of notes from around the world based on a common element. This month, we look at some of the natural World Heritage Sites that are featured on notes from around the world.

Starting in 1978, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has named more than 1,000 places around the world as World Heritage Sites, including over 800 cultural sites and more than 200 natural ones. These natural wonders have a significant role in the ecosystem and help to inspire environmental stewardship.

In Africa, Garamba National Park, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is home to the last worldwide population of several of the largest animal species, including the rare white rhino featured on this 1997 note. The 1,900-square-mile park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 and is also currently an endangered site because of poaching.

Congo Democratic Republic, Banque Centrale 1997 (ND 1998) 5 Francs graded PMG 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge

Heading east to the United Republic of Tanzania, a famous dormant volcano resides. Mount Kilimanjaro reaches 19,341 feet above sea level and is the highest mountain in Africa. Kilimanjaro National Park was named a World Heritage Site in 1987. The majestic mountain is featured with the king of the animals, the lion, on this Tanzania note.

Tanzania, Benki Kuu ND (2003) 2000 Shilingi graded PMG 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge

Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) Falls is located on the Zambezi River on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. In 1851, explorer David Livingstone became the first European to see this natural wonder and named it Victoria Falls. A natural World Heritage Site since 1989, the falls are over 350 feet high and over a mile wide.

Zambia, Bank of Zambia ND (1976) 10 Kwacha graded PMG 65 Gem Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge

Across the Atlantic Ocean in the country of Belize, is a collection of seven protected areas that collectively make up the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Displayed on the back of a 1990 Belize note are the images of some of the wildlife that resides there, including fish and coral.

Belize, Central Bank 1990 Dollar graded PMG 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge

Further south, the Central Amazon Conservation Complex in Brazil includes Jaú National Park and boasts a level of biodiversity that is one of the most impressive on the planet. This complex was named a World Heritage Site in 2000 and it has a large population of electric fish, Amazonian manatees, river dolphins and several large birds — represented by the macaw on the back of Brazil’s 1997 10 Reais note.

Brazil, Banco Central ND(1997) 10 Realis graded PMG 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge

The Gálapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador have been a World Heritage Site since 1978. With one of the richest ecosystems in the world, its inhabitants include land iguanas, several subspecies of mockingbirds and finches, and the famous Gálapagos tortoise, seen prominently on this Ecuadorian note.

Ecuador, Banco Central 1996-99 5,000 Sucres graded PMG 68 Superb Gem Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge

Towering 12,389 feet above sea level is one of Japan’s three holy mountains and its national symbol. The sacred Mount Fuji is surrounded by picturesque scenery and is important to the Shinto and Buddhist religions. Featured on this 1951 500 Yen note, the stratovolcano was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2013.

Japan, Bank of Japan ND (1951) 500 Yen Graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge

Indonesia is the exclusive habitat to the fierce Komodo dragon at the Komodo National Park, seen on the back of this note. In fact, these large lizards received their name because of their appearance and aggressive nature. Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1991, this national park is also home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs.

Indonesia, Bank Indonesia 2016/2020 50,000 Rupiah graded PMG 70 Gem Uncirculated EPQ★ Click images to enlarge

The back of this Northern Ireland note features one of the greatest wonders in the United Kingdom. The Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast has 40,000 interlocking basalt columns and has been a World Heritage Site since 1986. The fascinating natural formation off the coast of Northern Ireland inspired an ancient legend that it was built by a giant.

Northern Ireland, First Trust Bank 1998 £20 graded PMG 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge

Millions of Monarch butterflies migrate annually to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. In fact, four successive generations are born and die during their eight-month journey from as far as Eastern Canada. This important site has been a World Heritage Site since 2008, and these beautiful butterflies and their reserve are featured on the 2020 100 Peso note.

Mexico, Banco de Mexico 2020 100 Pesos graded PMG 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge

Related Links:

• Collection Inspiration: Cultural World Heritage Sites
• Collection Inspiration: Composers
• Collection Inspiration: Famous Women
• Collection Inspiration: Sports
• Collection Inspiration: Oxen
• Collection Inspiration: Churches
• Collection Inspiration: Women Writers

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