1

$10,000!

Image: Eyestetix Studio

Did you know that, for a time, there was a $10,000 bill? That's right! The bill featured the portrait of Salmon P. Chase, President Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury, and it was the highest denomination of US currency ever to be publicly circulated! While there was also a $100,000 bill, the latter was only used for large transactions between Federal Reserve Banks.

2

The first President on a coin

Image: Sebastian Enrique

We're totally used to seeing Abraham Lincoln's face on a penny, but that wasn't always the case.

Lincoln's image first appeared on the penny in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth, making him the first US president to appear on a coin, an honor befitting our great Honest Abe! More than 115 years have passed since that addition, and his face is still featured on the iconic penny.

3

Silver pennies

Image: Josh Appel

In addition to featuring Abraham Lincoln's face, pennies are famous for their classic copper color. However, there was one year when the penny took on a different hue.

During WWII, a copper shortage occurred, hindering the usual production of pennies. For that reason, in 1943, pennies were made of steel coated in zinc, giving them a silver color and making them closely resemble dimes.

4

2 and 3 cents?

Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya

Did you know that, in the 19th century, the US had 2- and 3-cent coins? That's right! The 2-cent coin was minted from 1864 to 1873. On the front, it featured a shield symbolizing the Union during the Civil War . On the reverse, it bore the phrase "In God We Trust," making it the first coin to use the motto . The 3-cent coin had two versions: the silver 3-cent coin (1851–1873) and the nickel 3-cent coin (1865–1889).

5

Long lifespan

Image: Shot by Cerqueira

While each coin is used with a different frequency, the average lifespan of a coin can be as long as 40 years ! Just think about all the places and situations it might pass through during that time. Of course, the more a coin circulates, the quicker it will wear down. That’s why the penny has the shortest lifespan , lasting about 25 years on average.

6

In God We Trust

Image: Kelly Sikkema

"In God We Trust" is not only the official motto of the United States (and the state of Florida), but also the phrase that appears on all US currency currently in circulation. But how long has this phrase been there?

"In God We Trust" first appeared on some coins during the Civil War, starting with the aforementioned 2-cent piece. By 1938, the motto appeared on all US coins, but it wasn't until 1955 that President Eisenhower signed a law requiring "In God We Trust" to be included on all US coins and paper money.

7

Precious metals

Image: Jingming Pan

Today, US coins are primarily made of zinc, copper, and nickel. However, back in the early days of the US Mint, things were quite different. In the past, US coins were made not just of copper, but also of silver and even gold!

Over time, using those materials for coins became too expensive, and production shifted to more affordable metals such as zinc and nickel.

8

Safety edges

Image: Joshua Hoehne

When coins were made of precious metals like gold and silver , there was always the risk that someone might tamper with or shave the edges to extract the valuable material. Fortunately, the brilliant Isaac Newton came to the rescue. He introduced the clever idea of adding reeded edges to coins, which helped protect them from opportunistic tampering. With these marked edges, any shaving of the coin would be immediately noticeable. Pretty smart, right?

9

The most coins in the world

Image: Sarbasri Bhaumik

The US Mint manufactures billions of coins each year for circulation, and while that’s nothing new, there’s something about it that might surprise you: the United States is actually the world’s largest producer of coins . No other country makes more!

Pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters are produced in large quantities every day. But that’s not all—dollar coins and special collectors’ coins are also minted, though in much smaller amounts.

10

"Paper" currency

Image: Adam Nir

Our paper money isn’t actually made of paper . It’s composed of 25% linen and 75% cotton. This blend gives US bills greater strength and flexibility, making them not only more durable but also more difficult to counterfeit. Plus, if you accidentally toss a buck in the washing machine, there’s a good chance it’ll come out just fine!

1

The mythical "Kill Bill Vol. 3"

Image: Til Man

Ah, yes, the revenge of the revenge. Quentin Tarantino has been teasing Kill Bill Vol. 3 for nearly two decades. He’s talked about giving the character of Nikki time to grow up and take center stage in the third installment, even floating the idea of casting Zendaya or another grown-up actress in the role.

But as of now? It’s all smoke and samurai swords. Tarantino claims he has one more film left in him, and every fan theory points to Vol. 3 as the final strike.

2

The loaded history of "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote"

Image: Iuliia Dutchak

Johnny Depp and Jean Rochefort were originally set to take the leads, battling windmills as Cervantes’ mad knight and his companion. But this is another case of a film that seemed hexed.

Terry Gilliam first attempted the project in 2000, but many disasters ensued. Health issues, floods that wrecked the sets, and insurance company failings led to the project's dramatic collapse. In 2018, Gilliam finally released a version starring Adam Driver and Jonathan Pryce. But fans agree—it wasn’t that version.

3

Kubrick’s "Napoleon"

Image: Nicolas HIPPERT

The holy grail of unmade epics. Stanley Kubrick devoted years to this project—allegedly reading over 500 books, creating a card catalog of Napoleon’s daily life, and scouting locations across Europe.

He wanted Jack Nicholson in the lead and even planned to use actual armies to stage the battles. MGM said yes… then said nope. The budget was colossal, and Kubrick ultimately shelved it. Though he carried the idea to his grave, the script survived. Steven Spielberg has since talked about adapting it into a miniseries.

4

The irony of "Superman Lives"

Image: Yogi Purnama

Superman Lives was meant to reboot the Man of Steel, with Tim Burton at the helm and Nicolas Cage sporting long black hair and a glow-in-the-dark suit.

But after years of rewrites, studio shake-ups, and ballooning budgets, the whole thing collapsed under its own weight. Though it was never filmed, test footage of Cage in costume became internet legend. And if you really want the full story, the documentary The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened? is the way to go.

5

Jodorowsky’s "Dune"

Image: Francisco Gomes

Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Dune was meant to be a 10-hour odyssey, starring Salvador Dalí as the Emperor, Orson Welles as Baron Harkonnen, and featuring music by Pink Floyd. Yes, really.

However, as one can imagine, the budget grew past sanity. No studio could afford Jodorowsky’s vision. The 2013 documentary Jodorowsky’s Dune explores how this unmade film went on to influence countless others—from Star Wars to Blade Runner .

6

The true "The Thief and the Cobbler"

Image: Fabian Centeno

Richard Williams, the man behind Who Framed Roger Rabbit , spent nearly three decades working on _The Thief and the Cobbler_—a painstakingly hand-drawn masterpiece, inspired by Persian art and silent comedy.

However, by the 1990s, delays and mounting costs led the studio to reconsider its decision. The film was recut, rewritten, and released under various titles, with added songs and jarring voice-overs. The truth is, the original version was never fully completed.

7

The cursed "Blood Meridian"

Image: Erik

So many doomed attempts have been made that Cormac McCarthy’s brutal novel is often labeled "unfilmable." Blood Meridian is a violent fever dream, soaked in sun and sand—which might sound easy to bring to the screen.

Ridley Scott tried. So did James Franco and Todd Field. But each version was ultimately abandoned. In 2024, New Regency announced a new adaptation was in the works. As of now, however, it still seems cursed— Blood Meridian remains untouched by the screen.

8

Orson Welles’ "The Other Side of the Wind"

Image: Andre Moura

Yes, a version was released by Netflix in 2018… but it wasn’t quite what its director originally envisioned.

Orson Welles began shooting The Other Side of the Wind in the early ’70s, imagining a satirical, semi-autobiographical tale about a fading director staging a comeback. But financial chaos, legal snarls, political drama, and even missing reels meant that Welles never lived to finish it.

9

"At the Mountains of Madness" featuring Tom Cruise

Image: Balazs Busznyak

Imagine Tom Cruise battling ancient, brain-melting monsters in Antarctica—based on H.P. Lovecraft’s most mind-bending novella. Now picture Guillermo del Toro directing that nightmare in IMAX 3D. So what happened? It’s not entirely clear, though budget concerns likely played a role. You never know, though. Del Toro has shared some original concept art and designs that just might be revived someday.

10

The Rat Pack’s "The Rogues"

Image: Brice Cooper

A film called The Rogues , starring the Rat Pack, appears in fan lore and anecdotal sources—though there’s little documented proof. Frank Sinatra. Dean Martin. Sammy Davis Jr. The Rat Pack was Hollywood’s smoothest syndicate, both on and off-screen.

In the mid-’60s, they began filming The Rogues , a heist flick in the spirit of Ocean’s 11 . But egos clashed, schedules frayed, and the project derailed mid-production, as legend has it.

1

Relentless weather

Image: Donnie Rosie

"There's a blizzard coming on, how I'm wishing I was home

For my pony's lame, and he can't hardly stand.

Listen to that norther sigh, if we don't get home we'll die.

But it's only seven miles to Mary Ann's"

The Blizzard - Jim Reeves

Across the plains from Texas to Montana, cowboys faced everything nature could throw at them —from scorching sun to freezing snowstorms and deadly tornadoes. The elements were a constant, unforgiving adversary in this rugged way of life.

Cowboys had to fear not only for their own lives but also for the lives of their cattle —and reining in a panicked herd during a lightning storm was certainly no walk in the park. Even today, with modern gear and technology, those who still drive cattle must rely on their instincts and skill to survive in the wilderness.

2

Dangerous animals

Image: Duncan Sanchez

"Lightning a flashin' everywhere

Thunder a rollin' through the air

Wind and rain, cattle look insane

This herd might stampede tonight"

Stampede - Sons of the Pioneers

Just as the weather tested their endurance, managing both wild and domesticated animals was no easy task. From wild predators to angry bulls, nervous bucks, and rattlesnakes hiding in the tall grass, the cowboy’s world was full of lethal threats.

Stampedes could scatter thousands of cattle in seconds, leaving riders vulnerable to trampling or injury. Even on the relative safety of the ranch, one wrong move could quickly end in tragedy.

3

Limited medical care

Image: Mathieu Stern

"Far away from his New England,

'Neath the southern sultry skies,

On the banks of a little river

They lay him down to die"

The Dying Cowboy - Traditional

An inherently dangerous job, cowboy life inevitably meant that injury was part of the work. Falling from a horse or taking a kick could incapacitate a cowboy for days or weeks, and with no formal workers’ compensation, many had to keep working despite the pain.

Cuts, broken bones, and infections could quickly turn deadly without proper treatment. Many cowboys learned rudimentary medical skills themselves or relied on frontier doctors with minimal supplies. Even today, those working in remote areas are hours away from medical help.

4

Grueling work hours

Image: Bailey Alexander

"Oh say, little dogies, why don't you lay down? [...]

My horse is leg-weary and I'm awful tired

But if I let you get away, I'm sure to get fired

Bunch up, little dogies, bunch up"

Night Herding Song - Harry Stephens

Cattle drives demanded 14 to 18-hour days with barely any rest. Cowboys often worked dawn till dusk, and sometimes even through the night.

The long days involved walking alongside thousands of cattle, breaking trail, and maintaining herd order. Sleep was often just a few hours, squeezed in wherever possible on the open range or near a campfire.

5

Horseback riding

Image: Jon Sailer

"He started his long ride in Prescott

The sun was a hundred or more

On down he rode at full gallop

Into the flat desert floor"

Ride, Cowboy, Ride - Marty Robbins

That brings us to the next point… all of that had to be done on horseback, and let me tell you, riding a horse for hours on end is much harder than it looks! Expert riders may make it seem effortless, but it’s far from easy.

Cowboys needed strong legs, resilient backs, and excellent balance. Horses could become tired or lame, but the cowboy had to press on regardless, often swapping mounts to keep the drive moving.

6

Limited food options

Image: Blake Carpenter

"Bacon and beans most every day

Soon to be eating that prairie hay"

Chisholm Trail - Traditional

Meals were often sparse and repetitive, mostly beans, salted meat, and hardtack. Cooking was done over open fires, with limited tools, and fresh food was a luxury rarely available.

Preserving meat through salting or smoking was essential for long drives. Still, fresh produce was so scarce that vitamin deficiencies—and even scurvy—could develop in some cases.

7

Water scarcity

Image: Jonathan Greenaway

"All day I've faced a barren waste

Without the taste of water

Cool water

Old Dan and I with throats burned dry"

Cool Water - Bob Nolan

Particularly in the arid southern regions of the West, finding clean water was a daily struggle for both cowboys and cattle—a dry creek could mean the difference between reaching the next stop or falling behind entirely.

While most cowboys were savvy navigators of their regions and often knew where to find drinking water, water holes could still be miles apart, forcing long detours or risky stops. Drinking from stagnant sources carried serious risks, including dysentery, cholera, and other waterborne diseases that could quickly incapacitate both men and animals.

8

Long, dusty trails

Image: Bailey Alexander

"The blue skies have failed so we're on our last trail

Underneath these dusty skies

These ain't tears in my eyes

Just sand from these dusty skies"

Dusty Skies - Bob Wills

Cattle drives could stretch over 1,000 miles, with cowboys and their herds enduring endless dust and scorching heat along the trail.

Prolonged exposure to dust caused respiratory problems and irritated eyes, which is why many cowboys tried to limit their exposure using bandanas or makeshift rags to cover their faces. The same cloth also provided protection from the unforgiving sun and drying wind.

9

Lawlessness and violence

Image: Jon Sailer

"Texas Red had not cleared leather

When a bullet fairly ripped

And the ranger's aim was deadly,

with the big iron on his hip"

Big Iron - Marty Robbins

As beautiful and serene as the open range was, the West was also full of danger—outlaws, land disputes, and conflicts over cattle and water were common. Far from the comforts of civilization, the strong arm of the law was often hours or days away, making gunfights, rustling, and revenge killings part of everyday reality.

Cowboys frequently carried firearms for protection, relying on their own skills and the support of their fellow riders to maintain some measure of security on the frontier.

10

Working for dust and pennies

Image: Ashim D’Silva

"And I nearly starved to death, boys

He did mistreat me so

And I never saved a dollar

In the pay of Diamond Joe"

Diamond Joe - Traditional

Despite the danger and hard work, cowboys earned little—sometimes as low as $25 a month, and that was when the boss was being somewhat fair!

The job was seasonal and unstable, with no benefits or retirement plans, so many worked well into old age. Some took on multiple jobs or moved frequently just to get by. Far from lucrative, the cowboy lifestyle was often endured only by those who loved the work or had nowhere else to turn.

11

Isolation and loneliness

Image: Luke Schlanderer

"Cowboys are special with their own brand of misery

From bein' alone too long

You can die from the cold in the arms of a night, man

Knowin' well that your best days are gone"

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys - Willie Nelson

While the near-mythological image of the cowboy paints him as a lone, self-reliant hero, the reality is that cowboys depended heavily on one another. Even so, the work could be deeply isolating. Weeks could pass without seeing a town, friends, or family, as they roamed vast, empty landscapes.

This constant solitude often weighed on their mental health, but many fought the loneliness of the trail with campfire songs shared among fellow cowhands or by writing letters to their loved ones.