This photograph belongs to the series, "Absolute Powers / ex nihilo." These photographs dive deeper into the taboo and controversial topic of money by showcasing an array of intriguing real-world historic and contemporary objects (some worthless, others immensely valuable), while examining how societies perceive, express, and destroy value. Paper 'fiat' currency was once backed by actual gold in bank vaults. This is a 1922 gold certificate, one of the last of its over-sized kind, which could be redeemed for gold coins stored on account. George Washington is shown on the bill. Uncirculated certificates in excellent grade are collectible items fetching up to thousands of dollars. Christos is a 1st-gen Greek-American fine-artist whose photographs probe themes of socioeconomics, culture, history, and architecture. As strong symbolic sparks in a frenetic 21st-century tangle, his creative intrigue is informed by identity, connection, nostalgia, and isolation.