Sport Representations on Banknotes in Circulation: A Cultural, Historical and Symbolic Analysis

In its basic definition, a banknote is paper money printed by governments and used for purchasing goods. Most modern countries honor an artist, scientist, poet, inventor, or member of the country's cultural elite on the front of their banknotes. Considering all this, it can be seen that various nations carry illustrations, symbols, historical figures, symbolic structures, slogans, emblems, and iconic monuments from fields such as politics, history, science, literature, art, and sports on the front or back of their banknotes. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to identify sports-themed banknotes in circulation around the world and to reveal the cultural significance, national meaning, and historical background of the sports themes used on these banknotes. This research uses qualitative research methods such as document analysis, descriptive analysis, and historical research. As of today, there are approximately 1939 banknotes in circulation across 157 currencies from 241 countries and regions worldwide. The sports theme has been defined as a predefined category, and the 1939 banknotes have been classified as containing or not containing the sports theme; the images, symbols, and depictions have been semantically coded. When banknotes are considered effective tools of promotion and publicity, states demonstrate the importance they attach to sport by depicting on their banknotes their athletically strong youth, modern technological developments, natural beauties, traditions, international achievements, dynamic social structures, intellectual potential, and public services.