If you’re wondering whether or not a banknote is genuine, our experts at the counterfeit money unit can have a look at it. In the first part of the video series on cash, our host Silviana Ursu will explain how that works. 

The core theme of each central bank is the money. But how does it happen in the world? This question goes to the Bundesbank and answered them in this animated film.

In the video, produced in cooperation with the open-access platform CORE, Bundesbank Vice-President Claudia Buch talks about the lessons learned from the too-big-to-fail reforms that were implemented to reduce risks to financial stability. Her conclusion: The reforms have helped reduce financial stability risks arising from banks that are too big to fail, but monitoring reform outcomes and risks in other parts of the financial system remains important.

What do birds have to do with monetary policy? More than you think! Those in favour of a more accommodative monetary policy are referred to as “doves”, while “hawks” are those who lean towards a tighter monetary policy stance. In the last part of our series from the Money Museum, presenter Silviana Ursu explores why you’ll find the pair in our Money Museum.

Do you know the security features of the euro banknotes? You’re probably familiar with some of them. But have you ever heard what happens when you place the banknotes under UV light? Our presenter Silviana Ursu reveals what that does in the fourth part of our video series from the Money Museum. 

How many cocoa beans would a loaf of bread cost? What about a pair of shoes? In the past, objects really were used as a means of payment in some parts of the world. For example, the Mayans, one of the oldest cultures in Central America, traded cocoa beans for food and clothing. In the third part of our series from the Money Museum, presenter Silviana Ursu takes a look at what constitutes money and the ways we pay today.