The 10 most valuable currencies in the world

A $100-dollar bill is seen on top of Euro bills in Bogota, on July 12, 2022. - The euro struck parity with the dollar for the first time in nearly 20 years on Tuesday as a cut in Russian gas supplies to Europe heightened fears of a recession in the eurozone. (Photo by DANIEL MUNOZ / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL MUNOZ/AFP via Getty Images) — A $100-dollar bill is seen on top of Euro bills in Bogota, on July 12, 2022. – The euro struck parity with the dollar for the first time in nearly 20 years on Tuesday as a cut in Russian gas supplies to Europe heightened fears of a recession in the eurozone. (Photo by DANIEL MUNOZ / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL MUNOZ/AFP via Getty Images)

It depends on the day. As the two most-traded currencies on the planet, the U.S. Dollar and Euro always rank highly. But they’re far from the most valuable out there right now. Hint: It usually helps if a country’s currency is backed by valuable oil reserves and a strict monetary policy.

Here’s a look at the most valuable currencies in the world:

The U.S. Dollar is the most traded currency in the world. Almost 70 percent of banknotes are circulating outside the United States.

A small red Livret A passbook on top of euro banknotes bearing euro coins or euro cents in Paris in France on 13 January 2025. (Photo by Maeva Destombes / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP) (Photo by MAEVA DESTOMBES/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

The Euro is the second-most traded currency in the world and the official currency for 19 European countries. While it was worth less than the US Dollar upon its introduction in 2000, it soon became more valuable and reached as high as $1.60 during the United States’ economic crisis in 2008.

This photograph taken on April 6, 2018, in Lausanne shows both sides of a Swiss ten franc banknote.
The note has been elected most beautiful banknote in the world by the International Society of Banknotes (IBNS), a collective of enthusiasts and collectors whos aim, since 1961, is to "promote and stimulate" the study of paper money. / AFP PHOTO / Fabrice COFFRINI (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) — This photograph taken on April 6, 2018, in Lausanne shows both sides of a Swiss ten franc banknote. The note has been elected most beautiful banknote in the world by the International Society of Banknotes (IBNS), a collective of enthusiasts and collectors whos aim, since 1961, is to “promote and stimulate” the study of paper money. / AFP PHOTO / Fabrice COFFRINI (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

The Swiss Franc is the national currency of both Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Switzerland’s strict monetary policy has helped increase the currency’s value throughout the European debt crisis and the US Dollar’s more liberal policies.

The Caribbean island’s status as a premier tax haven makes its dollar one of the strongest in the world.

An English five Pound note and coins are seen at a restaurant in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, July 21, 2016. REUTERS/Jon Nazca

Similar to the British pound, which can be exchanged with the GIP at par value, this official currency of Gibraltar is printed by the country’s government under the terms of the 1934 Act Currency Notes.

A shopkeeper (L) passes a customer their change in GBP pound sterling ten and twenty pound notes, at a shop in east London on March 31, 2023. (Photo by Susannah Ireland / AFP) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY Akshata KAPOOR (Photo by SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

The British Pound Sterling is the highest-valued currency not based in the Middle East. It’s the national currency of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island.

A bank employee counts money 07 February in Amman, where the Jordanian dinar has plunged since King Hussein's return from the US last week following failed cancer treatment in the US. The 63-year-old monarch died 07 February in Amman, after battling cancer for seven months. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) (Photo by RABIH MOGHRABI / AFP) (Photo by RABIH MOGHRABI/AFP via Getty Images) — A bank employee counts money 07 February in Amman, where the Jordanian dinar has plunged since King Hussein’s return from the US last week following failed cancer treatment in the US. The 63-year-old monarch died 07 February in Amman, after battling cancer for seven months. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) (Photo by RABIH MOGHRABI / AFP) (Photo by RABIH MOGHRABI/AFP via Getty Images)

Jordan doesn’t have the oil resources of its well-heeled neighbors, but its government runs a tight ship on exchange rates, which keeps the value of its dinar high.

A general view of the National Bank of Oman in Muscat, September 11, 2011. Oman, home to roughly 3 million Muslims, is seen as an untapped opportunity for Islamic finance, which prohibits the lending of money for interest and other activities that violate religious principles. National Bank of Oman, the sultanate's second-largest lender by assets, may seek board approval be the end of the year to open an Islamic branch, its chief executive said. To match Feature OMAN-ISLAMIC/. Picture taken September 11, 2011. REUTERS/Sultan Alhasani (OMAN - Tags: BUSINESS RELIGION) — A general view of the National Bank of Oman in Muscat, September 11, 2011. Oman, home to roughly 3 million Muslims, is seen as an untapped opportunity for Islamic finance, which prohibits the lending of money for interest and other activities that violate religious principles. National Bank of Oman, the sultanate’s second-largest lender by assets, may seek board approval be the end of the year to open an Islamic branch, its chief executive said. To match Feature OMAN-ISLAMIC/. Picture taken September 11, 2011. REUTERS/Sultan Alhasani (OMAN – Tags: BUSINESS RELIGION)

The Omani Rial’s value is tied to oil production. The note has become so valuable that the government had to issue notes worth 1/4 and 1/2 a rial.

As one of the world’s leading oil producers, Bahrain is also able to maintain one of the most valuable currencies. What’s a little strange is that Bahrain also accepts the Saudi riyal as legal tender. The current exchange rate between the two currencies is 9.95 riyal to one dinar.