Emblazoned on the Euros, architectural elements have never been in wider circulation than through 14 billion currency-notes ornamented with doors, windows and bridges. However, the Euro's launch redefined previous connections between architecture, design and the nation. The 200 French-Franc subtly displaying the Eiffel Tower, the 1,000 Greek-Drachma exhibiting the Classical Temple of Hera at Olympia, the German 5 Deutsche-Mark with the Brandenburg Gate of Baroque & neo-Palladian styles; all proud, nationalistic architectural marvels have been replaced by a history lesson on the metamorphosis of architectural design moving towards trans and inter-nationalism.   

The inscription of architecture on money is not recent. Temples, castles and buildings have adorned coins since ancient times drawing deep-rooted relationships with kingdoms and nations that minted them. The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed the fall of colonialism, surge of patriotism, combined with technological advancement, novel design ideas and scientific intersections; giving rise to a plethora of banknotes flaunting their nationalism via their ingenious architecture.  More recently, the fall of the Soviet Bloc saw new nations choosing to show off their state treasures by paying homage to national architects and monuments. 

But the real renaissance of architecture on money is flaunted by the Euros. Their designs display architectural ages and styles across Europe with no specific connection to any nation but the entire continent, a tribute to architecture's magnificent evolution. 

Using content analysis, this paper presents a historical representation of architectural design imagery on money primarily used to propagate nationalism but serendipitously emerging from a national expression to an international progression, a reflection of the present universality in architectural design. Using theories from visual communications, this paper seeks to draw connections between architecture, design and the notion of the 'nation' on currency whilst acknowledging that money is not merely a medium of exchange but a medium of communication.