Lotty & Finn admiring a glowing 50 Peso note drifting underwater like treasure; Glowria illuminating the note’s axolotl design.

Axolotls on Money?

October 13, 20253 min read

Axolotls on Money? | Lotty & Finn Discover the World’s Most Beautiful Banknote

Meet Your Guides: Lotty, Finn & Glowria

Hi, explorers! Lotty here 🩷—and today, Finn and I found something shiny, colorful, and… covered in our cousins!

Finn: “Wait—is that me on money?”
Glowria: “Not exactly you, Finn—but close! That’s your cousin from Xochimilco, and they’re the new star of Mexico’s 50 Peso note.”

It’s true! The Banco de México’s 50 Peso polymer banknote, featuring the axolotl, was named the International Bank Note Society’s “Banknote of the Year” for 2021. And it’s more than beautiful—it’s a global celebration of art, heritage, and nature.


A Note Worth Smiling About 💸

This special 50 Peso bill was chosen out of more than 100 new banknotes from around the world. What made it win? A combination of artistic beauty, historical storytelling, and environmental awareness.

The front of the note shows Tenochtitlan, the legendary capital of the Aztec Empire, where the Mexica people founded their city after spotting an eagle perched on a cactus devouring a snake.

On the back, the magic continues—an axolotl swims peacefully among the lilies and reeds of Lake Xochimilco, the ancient waterway that inspired our entire Lotty & Finn universe.

Finn grins: “So, our ancestors are officially famous—and printed in shiny ink!”


Axolotl Academy – Science Spotlight 🔬

For curious minds and eager learners, explore more about this topic on our Explorer Resources page.

This award-winning note doesn’t just celebrate design—it tells a story about conservation and culture.

The axolotl represents Mexico’s incredible biodiversity and reminds us that even the most iconic species can become endangered. By featuring the axolotl on national currency, Banco de México highlighted the importance of protecting the wetlands of Xochimilco—home to one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.

Key Takeaway: The 50 Peso note is more than money—it’s a message. It shows how creativity and culture can inspire global awareness and spark pride in saving our planet’s rarest creatures.

Axolotl Explorer crew


Lotty & Finn’s Pond-Sized Perspective 💖

Lotty: “Imagine—our cousins helping people learn about conservation every time they spend a coin or buy a taco!”
Finn: “Best. Souvenir. Ever.”
Glowria: “It’s proof that tiny creatures can make a big impact—one note at a time.”


Why Everyone’s Talking About It

The note’s vertical layout, vivid colors, and intricate details made it a collector’s favorite.

  • Printed on polymer for durability (and fewer wrinkles).

  • Filled with Aztec symbols on the front and ecological imagery on the back.

  • Designed and printed in Mexico’s new high-tech minting facility in Jalisco.

Numismatists (that’s a fancy word for currency collectors!) called it one of the most beautiful banknotes ever made—a blend of ancient heritage and modern innovation.


The Power of Pictures (and Pesos)

When a nation chooses an animal for its money, it’s not just about design—it’s a declaration of pride.
For Mexico, the axolotl isn’t just a symbol of science; it’s a reminder of resilience, identity, and the balance between progress and protection.

Lotty: “So every time someone holds that note, they’re holding a story.”
Finn: “A story with gills and a grin!”


Conclusion – From Pond to Pocket

Who knew that a little amphibian could make such big history?
Mexico’s 50 Peso axolotl note proves that beauty and meaning can live side by side—and that when art honors nature, everyone wins.

Glowria beams: “Whether it’s on paper, polymer, or pixels, curiosity is the real currency of the heart.”
Lotty: “And this one’s worth its weight in smiles.”


Lotty & Finn’s latest blog


PS: Lotty & Finn live in our imagination, where adventures are full of curiosity and fun! If you’re caring for real axolotls, always check with experts for proper guidance. Curious to dive deeper? Visit our
Explorer Resources page for trusted sources and links. 🌊


Meet Isabel Ann Alexander — Founder & Creative Director of the Axolotl Universe™ and the imagination engine behind Lotty, Finn, and their glowing guide, Glowria. 
Isabel crafts wonder-filled adventures that stretch across oceans, outer space, and through the folds of time. 
With a heart full of sparkle and a deep respect for curiosity, she writes stories that invite young and young-at-heart explorers to ask big-hearted questions and dream boldly.
A globe-trotting grandmother of nine glowing souls, Isabel brings decades of storytelling, soul-shifting, and entrepreneurial magic to everything she creates. 
Her mission? To ignite imagination and inspire curious minds of all ages to explore bravely, glow brightly, and protect what’s precious.

Isabel Ann Alexander

Meet Isabel Ann Alexander — Founder & Creative Director of the Axolotl Universe™ and the imagination engine behind Lotty, Finn, and their glowing guide, Glowria. Isabel crafts wonder-filled adventures that stretch across oceans, outer space, and through the folds of time. With a heart full of sparkle and a deep respect for curiosity, she writes stories that invite young and young-at-heart explorers to ask big-hearted questions and dream boldly. A globe-trotting grandmother of nine glowing souls, Isabel brings decades of storytelling, soul-shifting, and entrepreneurial magic to everything she creates. Her mission? To ignite imagination and inspire curious minds of all ages to explore bravely, glow brightly, and protect what’s precious.

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