Money is handled by billions of people everyday but goes unnoticed during its exchange. The intricate patterns, national heroes, revered places, unusual flora and fauna emblazoned on money speak of the country's unique culture. From a communications perspective, the scale and influence of the messages and metaphors adorned on this medium of exchange are awe-inspiring.

The newest entrant to the world of money, the Euro, represents a confederation above the traditional, single nation; shouldering a larger responsibility than just monetary integration which is recognized and reflected in its imagery. The notes illustrate a common design communicating a powerful message towards a united Europe while the coins reveal Europe's diverse, distinctive and national heritage on one side and its integrated, challenging and unified future on the other. Even though the coins are lower in economic value they supersede the notes in historical, political and cultural significance, an evidence of money's unconventional role.  

Using semiotics from the visual communications literature, this paper argues that money is not merely a medium of exchange- but a medium of communication, by researching the imagery on the Euro coins that stand witness to the dichotomy in Europe's present-day culture.