The European Central Bank is set to reintroduce portraits of historical and cultural figures on its currency, marking a return to a tradition that had been absent since the introduction of the euro. This decision brings attention to earlier, abandoned projects by the Bank of France, which had explored similar ideas over the past century. Throughout history, money has often reflected the political and cultural values of its time, and the inclusion of figures like Maria Callas, Beethoven, Marie Curie, and Leonardo da Vinci on the new notes is seen as a symbolic step toward recognizing diverse contributions to European heritage. The Bank of France had considered numerous celebrities and historical figures for its banknotes but often discarded them to avoid controversy or maintain the currency’s credibility. Historian Jean-Claude Camus detailed these efforts in his book Billets secrets de la Banque de France, noting that some designs had even reached the production stage before being abandoned. The decision to exclude certain figures was often tied to geopolitical concerns or the need to avoid public backlash. Portraits of notable individuals first appeared on French banknotes in the early 20th century, with the 20 francs Bayard note issued in 1917. Over the years, the Bank of France tested various personalities, mostly men or famous women, aiming to highlight values or role models for the public. During World War I, Bayard was a popular choice due to his reputation as a "fearless and blameless knight." However, other figures, such as Joan of Arc, were considered but ultimately rejected due to the political climate of the time. For instance, painter Lucien Jonas proposed Joan of Arc for a 50 F note in 1939, but the idea was abandoned to avoid offending British allies during World War II. Other proposed designs, such as a 500 F note featuring Jean-Baptiste Colbert, were also scrapped. The motto on the note, "By its navy and its colonies, France enlightens the world," lost relevance after France’s defeat in 1940. Historian Arnaud Manas explained that Jonas had incorporated elements of Charles Darlan into his portrayal of Colbert, making the note unsuitable after the loss of the fleet at Mers-El-Kébir and the colonies. Similarly, the Bank of France considered a bill featuring Georges Clemenceau in the 1950s but ultimately decided against it to preserve Franco-German relations. Other proposals, such as those featuring Colette and George Sand, were abandoned due to the controversial personal lives of these figures.