The most valuable currencies in the world in 2025 - Updated rankings based on strength

Why Do Some Currencies Have Higher Values?

In the global economy with over 180 countries, not all currencies have the same value. A country’s currency depends on many factors, such as financial stability, natural resources, economic size, and monetary policy. Some currencies can be exchanged for more than 3 times other currencies, while others are worth much less.

In 2025, several currencies remain among the highest valued in the world, coming from energy-exporting nations, financial hubs, and large economies.

List of the Highest Valued Currencies

Kuwaiti Dinar - Rank 1, never changed (KWD = 3.26 USD)

Kuwait is a major oil producer, producing about 3 million barrels per day, ranking 10th in the world. Its wealthy economy from energy exports allows the country to have a per capita GDP of over $20,000 annually.

The Kuwaiti Dinar was introduced in 1963 to replace the Gulf Rupee. Since then, it has maintained its position as the world’s highest valued currency. Currently, 1 Kuwaiti Dinar can be exchanged for 3.26 US dollars. The central bank maintains a fixed exchange rate against a basket of foreign currencies to ensure stability and avoid excessive volatility.

  • Abbreviation: KWD
  • Country: Kuwait
  • Exchange Rate: 1 KWD = 3.26 USD
  • Currency Policy: Pegged to a basket of currencies

Omani Rial - Stable currency from tourism and oil (OMR = 2.60 USD)

Oman is a wealthy country from oil trade, but its economy is not declining. Efforts to diversify income through tourism, trade, and finance have helped. Oman produces about 1 million barrels of oil per day, ranking 21st globally.

The Omani Rial has been pegged to the US dollar since 1976 at 1 OMR = 2.60 USD. This fixed policy helps maintain currency stability and attract foreign investment. Recent economic growth is at 4.1% per year.

  • Abbreviation: OMR
  • Country: Oman
  • Exchange Rate: 1 OMR = 2.60 USD
  • Currency Policy: Pegged to the US dollar

Bahraini Dinar - Oil island with diverse economy (BHD = 2.65 USD)

Bahrain introduced the Dinar in 1958 to replace the Gulf Rupee. The island nation is an important oil producer but is also developing its economy into finance, tourism, and aluminum manufacturing.

The Bahraini Dinar has been pegged to the US dollar since 2003 at 1 BHD = 2.65 USD. Low inflation at 0.8% keeps the currency stable, with a per capita GDP of around $20,000.

  • Abbreviation: BHD
  • Country: Bahrain
  • Exchange Rate: 1 BHD = 2.65 USD
  • Currency Policy: Pegged to the US dollar

Pound Sterling - An ancient currency still influential (GBP = 1.33 USD)

The British Pound has a history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era. Originally linked to silver and gold, it shifted to a floating system after World War I. Today, the Pound remains a major global currency.

The UK economy ranks 6th worldwide, contributing 3% of global GDP. London is a key financial center, and UK technology is valued at over $1 trillion, ranking 3rd globally. The exchange rate is 1 GBP = 1.33 USD.

  • Abbreviation: GBP
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Exchange Rate: 1 GBP = 1.33 USD
  • Currency Policy: Floating

Swiss Franc - Safe and reliable currency (CHF = 1.21 USD)

The Swiss Franc has existed since the 18th century, originally linked to silver. Today, it is known as a “Safe Haven” currency because Switzerland mandates at least 40% gold reserves to support its value.

During economic crises, the Swiss Franc is in high demand. The Swiss central bank intervenes to weaken the currency. It remains highly sought after, with an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 1.21 USD.

  • Abbreviation: CHF
  • Country: Switzerland
  • Exchange Rate: 1 CHF = 1.21 USD
  • Currency Policy: Managed float

Jordanian Dinar - Stable middle-country currency (JOD = 1.41 USD)

Jordan is not oil-rich like its neighbors but maintains a stable economy. The Jordanian Dinar is pegged to the US dollar at 1 JOD = 1.41 USD.

Despite a 2.7% annual economic growth and a per capita GDP of about $3,891, Jordan holds international reserves of $13.533 billion as of late 2023.

  • Abbreviation: JOD
  • Country: Jordan
  • Exchange Rate: 1 JOD = 1.41 USD
  • Currency Policy: Pegged to the US dollar

Gibraltar Pound and Cayman Islands Dollar - Pegged currencies for stability

The Gibraltar Pound (GIP) has been used since 1934 for the UK overseas territory, pegged 1:1 with GBP, meaning 1 GIP = 1 GBP = 1.33 USD. The island is known as a hub for online gaming and finance.

The Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) was introduced in 1972 to replace the Jamaican dollar, pegged at 1 KYD = 1.20 USD. Cayman is a major offshore financial center.

  • GIP: 1 GIP = 1.33 USD (Pegged to GBP)
  • KYD: 1 KYD = 1.20 USD (Pegged to USD)

Euro - The newest influential currency (EUR = 1.13 USD)

The Euro, introduced in 1999 for 20 Eurozone countries, is the newest currency on this list. In its first three years, it traded below the dollar but later appreciated, reaching a high of 1 EUR = 1.6 USD in 2008.

Currently, 1 EUR equals 1.13 USD. The Euro is the second-largest reserve currency after the US dollar, accounting for 19.58% of all international reserves.

  • Abbreviation: EUR
  • Country: European Union
  • Exchange Rate: 1 EUR = 1.13 USD
  • Currency Policy: Floating

Currency Comparison Table

Currency USD per 1 unit USD per currency Pegged Notable Features
Kuwaiti Dinar 3.26 0.31 No Oil exporter, highest value
Bahraini Dinar 2.65 0.38 Yes (USD) Diverse economy since 1958
Omani Rial 2.60 0.38 Yes (USD) Oil exporter since 1970s
Jordanian Dinar 1.41 0.71 Yes (USD) Not oil-dependent
British Pound Sterling 1.33 0.75 No Old, financial hub
Gibraltar Pound 1.33 0.75 Yes (GBP) Peg 1:1 with GBP
Swiss Franc 1.21 0.83 No Safe currency
Cayman Islands Dollar 1.20 0.83 Yes (USD) Offshore financial center
Euro 1.13 0.89 No 20 countries, second reserve

Choosing a Currency - Not Just About Value

When considering investing or holding a currency in 2025, don’t focus solely on its value. Important factors include:

  • Government Credibility - Does the issuing government have a good financial management history?
  • Economic Stability - Is the country’s economy stable and its financial system sound?
  • Market Volatility - How much does this currency fluctuate in the foreign exchange market?
  • Political Risk - Is the country politically stable?

Some high-value currencies come from countries with high GDP per capita, energy exporters, or currencies with over a century of history. Others are newer but have their own strengths and risks to consider when holding.

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