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Polaroid of the Week: Costa Rica's Stunning New Colón Banknotes

Polaroid of the Week: Costa Rica s Stunning New Colón Banknotes

Since our last visit to Costa Rica in February 2011, the country has unveiled redesigned colón banknotes that are so captivating, we're hesitant to spend them. (The 15,000 colónes pictured are worth about US$30.)

Renowned for its biodiversity, Costa Rica celebrates this heritage on its currency with vibrant images of sloths, monkeys, birds, sharks, butterflies, deer, sea turtles, scorpions, and starfish, alongside natural wonders like the Guanacaste tree, cloud forests, coral reefs, and mangroves. These rank among the world's most creative banknotes.

Have you traveled to countries with beautiful currency? Do you save small, pretty bills as souvenirs?

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