Amateur Encyclopedia of Banknotes – Kings and Leaders
A unique documentation of the history of leaders and kings through banknotes
Lebanese researcher and collector Wissam Youssef, holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of banknotes, has published a bilingual (Arabic and English) encyclopedia titled: “The Amateur Encyclopedia of Banknotes – Kings and Leaders.” This 400-page encyclopedic work provides comprehensive documentation of banknotes bearing the images of kings and leaders who left their mark on the history of their people and continents, extending to global influence. Combining high-quality photographs with accurate historical information, the book is an indispensable resource for collectors and historians alike.
A story from under the rubble to the Guinness Book of Records
Youssef opens his book with a moving and personal introduction, recounting the details of losing his first collection of banknotes during the 2006 war, which completely destroyed his family home. Despite this devastating loss, he rose like a phoenix to rebuild his collection, eventually earning a Guinness World Record for the largest collection of banknotes in the world.
This personal experience inspired him to publish an encyclopedia that documents not only currencies, but also the stories of peoples and their leaders, to be a unique window into the political and human history of the past two centuries.
Encyclopedia content
The first part of the Encyclopedia of Banknotes for Amateurs is divided into main chapters covering banknotes from different continents, such as Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Australia. It includes a comprehensive index of dozens of countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, the United States, Argentina, Canada, Cuba, Japan, China, India, and Saudi Arabia. The book explores the historical and political backgrounds of the figures depicted on the banknotes and provides high-quality images with detailed information on their denominations and issues.
Book launch ceremony
The book was officially launched on Saturday, May 31, 2025, as part of the 8th Lebanese Stamp and Coin Exhibition in Beirut. The event was attended by a large number of collectors, researchers, historians, and cultural and media figures. A panel discussion was held to discuss the book's importance and its role in enriching the Arab and international libraries in the field of coin documentation.
The book's importance for collectors and historians
- A visual and written reference documenting historical banknotes around the world.
- A bilingual resource that enriches Arabic and English content in this rare field.
- It enhances understanding the historical and political context behind each paper currency.
- It contributes to spreading the culture of coin collecting as an art and hobby of cultural and economic value.
About the author
Wissam Youssef is a collector and researcher specializing in the history of banknotes, holding a Guinness World Record as the world's largest collector of banknotes. He has dedicated years to research and documentation to highlighting the value of banknotes as cultural documents reflecting the history of peoples and their leaders throughout time.
Sales locations
The Encyclopedia of Banknotes for Amateurs is now available via:
- Nile and Euphrates Library
- Arab House for Science Publishers
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