Although the world has over 180 countries, each with its own financial system, some currencies are strong while others are weak. Interestingly, the world’s highest-valued currency is not necessarily based on overall wealth but depends on economic confidence and monetary power. This article will explore the top 10 most expensive currencies in the world and understand the factors behind their strength.
Some High-Value Currencies of the GCC
Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) - 3.26 per dollar
Kuwait has used the Dinar since 1953, when the country was still part of the Gulf monetary system. In modern markets, the KWD remains the highest with an exchange rate of 1 unit to 3.26 dollars. The strength of this currency stems from oil exports of about 3 million barrels per day, making Kuwait the 10th largest oil producer in the world. Oil revenues flow continuously into the economy, resulting in a GDP per capita exceeding $20,000 annually, with a persistent current account surplus. Additionally, the currency’s peg to a currency basket (Currency Basket) adds further stability.
Bahraini Dinar (BHD) - 2.65 per dollar
Introduced in 1965 when Bahrain switched from Gulf Rupee, like Kuwait, the BHD is pegged to the US dollar. Today, 1 Bahraini Dinar equals 2.65 dollars. This small island nation is unique because its income sources are diverse, including finance and tourism sectors, not just oil. The low inflation rate of 0.8% indicates economic stability. Despite the dollar peg, this currency remains the second most expensive in the world.
Omani Rial (OMR) - 2.60 per dollar
Since 1976, Oman has pegged its currency to the US dollar at 1 OMR to 2.60 USD. Oman ranks as the 21st largest oil producer, exporting about 1 million barrels daily. Recent economic growth has been 4.1% YoY, driven by increased export revenues. The economy’s steady growth, low inflation, and persistent current account surplus make the Omani Rial the third safest currency.
Western Countries’ Currencies
Pound Sterling (GBP) - 1.33 per dollar
The UK has used the Pound since the Anglo-Saxon era. Originally backed by silver, it later shifted to gold backing under the Gold Standard. During World War I, it moved to a floating system. Today, the UK economy ranks 6th globally, accounting for 3% of the world’s GDP. The country also has a massive technology sector valued at $1 trillion, ranking third after the US and China. This economic strength supports the Pound’s high value.
Swiss Franc (CHF) - 1.21 per dollar
Used since the 18th century, initially backed by silver, the Swiss Franc is notable for its minimum reserve requirement of 40% gold backing. This makes Switzerland a safe haven for global assets, especially during wars and economic crises. The Swiss Franc is known as the most widely accepted Safe Haven Currency worldwide. Switzerland’s influence on the global economy is significant enough to be weighted in the US dollar index basket.
Euro (EUR) - 1.13 per dollar
Introduced in 1999 and used across 20 of the 27 European Union countries, the Euro was initially weaker but strengthened after 2004, reaching a peak of 1 EUR to 1.6 USD in 2008. As a powerful global currency, it is held as a reserve asset by the IMF, accounting for 29.31% of SDR reserves, and is the second-largest international reserve currency after the dollar, representing only 19.58% of total reserves.
Price Comparison Table and Key Features
Currency
Rate (per USD)
Country/Region
Notable Features
KWD
3.26
Kuwait
Leading oil exporter, pegged to a currency basket
BHD
2.65
Bahrain
Diverse income sources, pegged to USD
OMR
2.60
Oman
Oil producer with confirmed growth, pegged to USD
JOD
1.41
Jordan
Economy not reliant on oil, pegged to USD
GBP
1.33
United Kingdom
Global economy, floating
GIP
1.33
Gibraltar
Pegged 1:1 with GBP
CHF
1.21
Switzerland
Safe Haven Currency, floating
KYD
1.20
Cayman Islands
Offshore financial center, pegged to USD
EUR
1.13
European Union
Global reserve currency, floating
Choosing a Currency: Looking Beyond Value
From the list of the top 9 highest-valued currencies in the global market, it’s clear that a currency’s strength is not solely determined by enforcement or preordained rules but by confidence in the country’s economy. Many Middle Eastern oil-exporting countries—Kuwait Dinar, Bahrain Dinar, and Omani Rial—have high income from energy exports. Meanwhile, the Pound, Swiss Franc, and Euro derive their strength from confidence in their economic systems and political stability.
Investors and market followers should understand that selecting which currency to hold involves not only current value but also the country’s financial and political stability. Monitoring economic data from each country is essential for smart asset management.
View Original
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
The highest-valued silver price in the global market 2568
Although the world has over 180 countries, each with its own financial system, some currencies are strong while others are weak. Interestingly, the world’s highest-valued currency is not necessarily based on overall wealth but depends on economic confidence and monetary power. This article will explore the top 10 most expensive currencies in the world and understand the factors behind their strength.
Some High-Value Currencies of the GCC
Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) - 3.26 per dollar
Kuwait has used the Dinar since 1953, when the country was still part of the Gulf monetary system. In modern markets, the KWD remains the highest with an exchange rate of 1 unit to 3.26 dollars. The strength of this currency stems from oil exports of about 3 million barrels per day, making Kuwait the 10th largest oil producer in the world. Oil revenues flow continuously into the economy, resulting in a GDP per capita exceeding $20,000 annually, with a persistent current account surplus. Additionally, the currency’s peg to a currency basket (Currency Basket) adds further stability.
Bahraini Dinar (BHD) - 2.65 per dollar
Introduced in 1965 when Bahrain switched from Gulf Rupee, like Kuwait, the BHD is pegged to the US dollar. Today, 1 Bahraini Dinar equals 2.65 dollars. This small island nation is unique because its income sources are diverse, including finance and tourism sectors, not just oil. The low inflation rate of 0.8% indicates economic stability. Despite the dollar peg, this currency remains the second most expensive in the world.
Omani Rial (OMR) - 2.60 per dollar
Since 1976, Oman has pegged its currency to the US dollar at 1 OMR to 2.60 USD. Oman ranks as the 21st largest oil producer, exporting about 1 million barrels daily. Recent economic growth has been 4.1% YoY, driven by increased export revenues. The economy’s steady growth, low inflation, and persistent current account surplus make the Omani Rial the third safest currency.
Western Countries’ Currencies
Pound Sterling (GBP) - 1.33 per dollar
The UK has used the Pound since the Anglo-Saxon era. Originally backed by silver, it later shifted to gold backing under the Gold Standard. During World War I, it moved to a floating system. Today, the UK economy ranks 6th globally, accounting for 3% of the world’s GDP. The country also has a massive technology sector valued at $1 trillion, ranking third after the US and China. This economic strength supports the Pound’s high value.
Swiss Franc (CHF) - 1.21 per dollar
Used since the 18th century, initially backed by silver, the Swiss Franc is notable for its minimum reserve requirement of 40% gold backing. This makes Switzerland a safe haven for global assets, especially during wars and economic crises. The Swiss Franc is known as the most widely accepted Safe Haven Currency worldwide. Switzerland’s influence on the global economy is significant enough to be weighted in the US dollar index basket.
Euro (EUR) - 1.13 per dollar
Introduced in 1999 and used across 20 of the 27 European Union countries, the Euro was initially weaker but strengthened after 2004, reaching a peak of 1 EUR to 1.6 USD in 2008. As a powerful global currency, it is held as a reserve asset by the IMF, accounting for 29.31% of SDR reserves, and is the second-largest international reserve currency after the dollar, representing only 19.58% of total reserves.
Price Comparison Table and Key Features
Choosing a Currency: Looking Beyond Value
From the list of the top 9 highest-valued currencies in the global market, it’s clear that a currency’s strength is not solely determined by enforcement or preordained rules but by confidence in the country’s economy. Many Middle Eastern oil-exporting countries—Kuwait Dinar, Bahrain Dinar, and Omani Rial—have high income from energy exports. Meanwhile, the Pound, Swiss Franc, and Euro derive their strength from confidence in their economic systems and political stability.
Investors and market followers should understand that selecting which currency to hold involves not only current value but also the country’s financial and political stability. Monitoring economic data from each country is essential for smart asset management.