In case you are wondering, the answer is 1961. However, it is possible that the year 1960 might be an appropriate candidate. After all, it was the year when the world was just beginning to realize the value of symmetry. Fortunately for us, the year 1961 is not the only one that looked the same upside down. There are a few other years that looked the same upside down, too: 1959, 19609, and 19607 among them.
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1961
Did you know that 1961 was the last year that looked the same flipped over? It’s true! This year looked the same as the previous years, but not upside down. It looked the same when read upside down and it also looks the same when read in reverse! You’ve probably heard of palindromes. These words and sentences look exactly the same when read backwards and forwards, but what do they really mean? Here are some facts about palindromes.
The year 1961 is unique, but it does have an alternative meaning. It’s the 1,961st year after Jesus Christ’s reputed birth. It’s also the last year to look the same when printed upside down. In fact, you’ll have to use a calculator to determine if 1961 looks the same upside down as it does on a regular calendar. So, there’s no need to fret about this year’s special meaning!
1960
FunTrivia editors continuously check submitted claims to ensure that they’re accurate. In the case of 1960, the last year that looked the same upside down and right-side up was 1961. The year 6009 will be the next to be written both ways. FunTrivia’s question & answer section is another great resource for factual information. The editors also make sure to re-check submitted claims, too.
1959
In 1959, unemployment fell to a low of 5.5%. Movies like “Some Like It Hot” and “Ben Hur” hit the screens, and television shows such as “Rawhide” and ‘Bonanza’ took the nation by storm. Hawaii and Alaska become the 49th and 50th states, and the Boeing 707 jet airliner entered service. Ruth Handler’s Barbie Doll was created, and was manufactured by Mattel.
19609
If you have ever noticed, a year that is written upside down can appear in another way than the normal representation. The last year to do so was 1961. The same year can also be interpreted upside down if written in reverse. The same thing holds true if you turn a calendar page. However, the year 19609 does not appear upside down. Unlike the other years, 1961 can still be read correctly upside down.
6009
The last year that looked the same upside down was in the digits of the alphabet. For example, the letters “B” and “C” look the same upside down and backwards. If you see the same year in these two ways, it’s an upside-down palindrome. The year 1961, however, does not appear upside-down, as it looks the same from the right side. However, the year 6009 will.
In the meantime, you can try to figure out what is going on with the year 1961. You can read it upside down, backwards, and forwards. If you read it forwards, you’ll find that it’s the same year as the original. So, how can you tell if 1961 looks the same upside-down? Try flipping it to the right side and see how many times it appears.
