The Republic of Honduras is situated in Central America between Guatemala and Nicaragua. Exports include gold, silver, teak wood, coffee and bananas (to John Benedict ).

Languages: Spanish, English, Indian dialects
Religionss: Roman Catholic
Status: UN Country.

World currency issuers are tending more and more to migrate to polymer plastic as their preferred media because of its durability and effectiveness in anti-counterfeiting. Most paper has been a blend of Cotton and Linen in various mixes, with other things added for uniqueness (Japan uses Mulberry Bark). These papers held up much better than wood pulp papers but still lacked the desired durability. With modern technology new materials have debuted that solve the durability issues. Tyvek a DuPont material with is a slick paper woven with reinforcement fibers (like Priority mailing envelopes or Hunting & Fishing licenses) were one solution and many countries have gone to that material. Polymer plastics also solved the problem and seem to exceed the durability of all other materials. It is more costly up front but in the long run is cheaper. Polymer was first used in Australia and proved to last 10 years in normal circulation - compared to 18 months for the current $1 US Dollar. Lower denominations are circulated more than higher denominations and therefore do not last as long. The US notes cost approx. 6¢ per note to produce- multiply that times several hundred million per year and the costs is staggering. After the polymer notes made the scene and proved their worth, many other South Pacific countries and islands began using it. Next Asia and parts of Europe followed suit. Since then Central America has been changing over.

The US has changed the design of all but the $1 note. They have made metalic $1 (coin) to solve the durability issue just as many other countries have done. Like many other countries the public has shunned the coin over the paper. There is strong speculation and rumor that as a last option the US will begin using the Polymer for $1 notes- and probably later follow suit with larger denominations. (the $1's for durability and the higher denominations for security).

The scan shows a passport behind the note so you can see the 'clear' area or window on the note. A partial of the text "Passport" can be seen through the window. This along with UV code and other measures makes it much more difficult to counterfeit. These notes run through the washer & dryer with ease, are easily handled by automated counting machines, ATM's, and most any other area that the paper note falls short. ENJOY!!

Next time someone asks if you know what polymer is. Don't say, Mount Polymer? Well, THAT is in California where a hugh telesope is mounted!