Budget Banknotes

An authentic central bank banknote for less than one euro is not a lower quality banknote: it is a banknote from a country where inflation left that face value behind, or from an issue with a print run of hundreds of millions. It is still real, uncirculated paper money, with its catalog number.

Why they cost so little

Almost always for one of three reasons. Because the country experienced hyperinflation and its low-denomination banknotes became useless before circulating—this is the case in Venezuela or Zimbabwe. Because the print run was enormous and entire packs remained unused. Or because the face value is minuscule to begin with, like the 50 Congolese francs or the 10 Mongolian tugriks.

Who this selection is for

For those who are starting out and want to have banknotes in their hands right away, without risking money while learning to distinguish grades. For those who collect by country and need to complete the ones they are missing. For gifting to someone who has never held a foreign banknote. And for teachers who want to bring real currency to class without spending a fortune.

Cheap doesn't mean it doesn't matter

All items in this selection are uncirculated unless otherwise stated in the description, and include their Pick reference just like any other item in the catalog. If you want to level up later, graded banknotes are the natural next step.

Shipping

Each banknote ships in its own individual sleeve from Spain. Orders under 25 euros are sent by low cost ordinary letter, without tracking, so that postage doesn't cost more than the banknotes themselves. Orders of 25 euros or more ship with tracking. Buying several at once does not multiply the shipping cost, which makes perfect sense in this price range.