40 FASCINATING FACTS About MONEY!

Summary

This engaging video presents 40 fascinating facts about money, exploring its history, usage, and quirks. From the earliest currency of cattle to the invention of paper money by the Chinese, it reveals surprising truths like how the term 'buck' originated from trading animal skins and that most currency is now digital. It also highlights the significant role of money in relationships and society, the curious life of bills and coins, and the staggering statistics of gambling and corporate revenues. This insightful overview showcases money's influence and the unexpected realities of our financial world.

Takeaways

• 🐄 Cattle were the oldest form of currency, used as early as 9,000 B.C.
• 💵 The Chinese invented paper money around 806 A.D., with the French being the first to use it consistently in the 18th century.
• 🎲 Gambling generates more revenue than music, movies, and sports combined.
• 🦌 The term 'buck' originated from trading animal skins, such as deer bucks.
• 🏦 Fort Knox and the New York Fed hold 7.5% of all the gold that has ever been refined globally.
• 📜 U.S. currency is made from a blend of cotton and linen, not paper.
• 💰 Parker Brothers has printed more Monopoly money than the U.S. Federal Reserve has issued real currency.
• 🌍 Only 8% of the world's money exists in physical form; the rest is electronic.
• 💔 Money is a leading cause of relationship conflicts, often cited as the number one factor in marriage success.
• 🦠 Money can harbor germs; a flu virus can survive on currency for up to 10 days.

Q & A

What was the oldest form of currency used by humans?

The oldest form of currency used by humans were cows, which were traded for goods and services as far back as 9,000 B.C.

Who invented paper money and when?

The Chinese were the first to invent paper money around 806 A.D.

Which country was the first to use paper money consistently?

The French were the first to consistently use paper money in the 18th century.

How does gambling revenue compare to other entertainment industries?

Gambling generates more money than music, movies, and sports combined.

What is the origin of the term 'buck' as a reference to a dollar?

The term 'buck' originated from trading animal skins, particularly deer and elk, which were referred to as 'bucks'.

What percentage of the world's gold is held by Fort Knox and the New York Fed?

Fort Knox and the New York Fed hold a combined total of almost 12,000 metric tons of gold, which is about 7.5% of all the gold that has ever been refined.

What materials are U.S. dollar bills made from?

Contrary to popular belief, U.S. dollar bills are made from a blend of cotton and linen, not paper.

Why are pennies being eliminated in some countries?

Countries like Canada, Brazil, and Australia are eliminating pennies because it costs about 2.5 cents to produce each penny.

What was the highest legal tender bill ever printed in the U.S.?

The highest legal tender bill ever printed in the U.S. was the $100,000 bill featuring President Woodrow Wilson, printed in 1934.

What is the most counterfeited currency in the world?

The U.S. dollar is the most counterfeited currency globally, primarily due to its universal use and limited anti-counterfeit measures.