Peruvians call their money Soles.

In Argentina, Chile and Colombia, it’s a Peso.

Bolivians use the Boliviano… and Ecuador’s national currency is the US Dollar. Go figure.

 

As of my visit in 2014, the exchange rate for Peruvian Soles to USD was about 1:3
In 2014 (when I made this collage), the Peruvian Soles is valued at 2.7 to $1.

 

Chilean Pesos are valued at 500 to $1 — (as of 2014)
Chilean Pesos are valued at 500 to $1 — (as of 2014)

I’ve always been fascinated with foreign currency

As a child, my parents encouraged me to collect old American coins; and gave me a bank note or two from every country we’d visit.

In the years since, I’ve amassed quite a collection of bills and change from around the world.

It really is quite a waste of money 🙂

 

Argentinian Pesos are in constant flux; with values ranging from 7 - 11 Pesos to $1 (in February, 2014)
Argentinian Pesos are in constant flux; with values ranging from 7 – 11 Pesos to $1 (in February, 2014)

Photographing Pesos, Soles and Bolivianos

Recently, my wife and I spent six months backpacking across South America.

At one point or another, we always had to withdraw a bunch of cash from the ATM.

Before spending it, I made sure to set up a “money photo shoot.”

 

Bolivia's Bolivianos have by far the coolest name of any currency in South America; and were valued at 7 to $1 — (in 2014)
Bolivia’s Bolivianos have by far the coolest name of any currency in South America; and were valued at 7 to $1 — (in 2014)

What is a Money Photo Shoot?

In each country, I would get as many of each note as possible.

Then, finding the most private place possible, I carefully arranged the bills on a table and snapped away.

Usually, the photo shoot was in our hotel room.

Sometimes, it was outside… Those were the times I worked the fastest.

 

The Colombian Peso makes me feel rich; as it is valued at 1,850 to $1 — (in 2014)
The Colombian Peso makes me feel rich; as it was valued at 1,850 to $1 — (in 2014)

A Money Collage

Upon returning to the USA, I selected my favorite bills from each country and arranged them on a scanner.

These final two collages are my first attempt at this new technique.

I look forward to combining more currencies on a bigger scanner in the near future.

 

A combination of old and new currency from six South American countries
A combination of old and new currency from six South American countries

 
In addition to saving current currency, I sometimes find old bills in local markets.
In addition to saving current currency, I sometimes find old bills in local markets.

What country has your favorite currency?