Character
The Story of Bank note
Bank note is a contemporary perfumery accord that recreates the dry, papery scent of aged currency. Perfumers capture this nostalgic aroma by blending synthetic molecules with subtle woody and leathery undertones, evoking the smell of old money.
Heritage
Paper money emerged during China's Tang Dynasty around 700 CE, but the distinctive bank note scent is inherently modern. Currency production introduced specific materials—cotton rag paper, metallic security threads, and complex printing inks—that had never existed in nature. Fragrance houses began developing bank note accords in the late 20th century as part of the broader trend toward unisex and conceptual perfumery. The accord gained particular prominence in the 1990s and 2000s as perfumers sought unusual ingredients for niche creations, drawing on the olfactory symbolism of wealth and memory embedded in the smell of old money.
At a Glance
1
Feature this note
France
Primary source region
Ingredient Details
Synthetic accord
Synthetic molecular construction
Did You Know
"Modern bank notes are printed on cotton-fiber paper, which develops a distinctive smell as the fibers age and the security inks interact with light and air."