| Slot: |
50 Centavos 1911 Issue (dated 1910) P43 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Tesoro Nacional
50 Centavos 1910 - Printer: ABNC |
| Grade: |
PMG VF 20 |
| Cert #: |
1859727-011
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Owner Comments
These notes for 1910 have two different signature varieties. The banknotes all feature Christopher Columbus on the obverse of the notes.
From what I could find these notes were originated through a contract from the Government with a wealthy businessman by the name of Alfredo Pellas (his descendants are still very prominent business owners running several successful businesses within Nicaragua including the famous Nicaraguan Rum Flor de Caña) on the 9th of January 1910. For the 50 Centavos notes there was to be 1.5 million printed with a face value of 750,000 pesos.
There was an executive decree #122 on the 27th of March 1911 under the new government authorising to print the same amount of notes but this time they were printed with the signature new President Juan Estrada. Based on the serial numbers they continued this series from 1500000 through to 3000000.
This particular note is of the A type with the first signature variety. In the other sets you will find the other signature variety.
Later some of these notes were overprinted in 1912 to have a new face value of 4 centavos (P50).
Christopher Columbus was of course the famous Italian explorer that mistakenly had discovered the Americas.
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| Slot: |
1 Cordoba 1941-45 Issue P90 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Nacional
1 Córdoba 1941 |
| Grade: |
PMG 64 |
| Cert #: |
8063393-051
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Owner Comments
These banknotes from 1941 - 1945 used the same design as the previous 1939 issued notes changing the effigy to feature Lillian Somoza the daughter of the then dictator president Anastasio Somoza. She featured on the 1 Cordoba notes from 1941 - 1960. The reverse shows the National Coat of Arms as per the previous issues.
For this particular 1941 issue there was a total of 3 million One Cordoba banknotes issued. They were authorised to be printed via an executive decree # 68 on the 2nd of December 1941 that authorised the printing of 6 million Cordobas worth of banknotes in denominations of 1, 2 & 100 Cordobas.
They were put into circulation through a couple of separate decrees. The first one was # 44 on the 27th of January 1943 authorising 1.1 million banknotes from serial # 000001 through to 1100000 to be placed into circulation. This was followed by # 49 on the 22nd of February 1943 for a further 50,000 notes to be placed into circulation from 1100001 through to 1150000. The final decree for the balance 1,850,000 notes was authorised through decree # 54 on the 18th of March 1943 from serial # 1150001 through to 3000000.
Because they started with 6 digits serial numbers this has created a variation of 6/7 digits for this year of issue.
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| Slot: |
500 Cordobas 1941-45 Issue P98 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Nacional
500 Córdobas 1945 |
| Grade: |
PMG AU 55 |
| Cert #: |
5003599-015
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Owner Comments
These were an all new denomination for Nicaragua and the largest banknote during this period they had a fairly high face value for the time and were roughly worth $71 USD with the exchange rate pegged at 7:1 during this period. The Central Bank currently still has these banknotes available for sale as of November 2019.
These notes feature a black background with the effigy of legendary Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario on the obverse who was featured on the 500 Cordobas notes from this emission in 1945, and the subsequent releases in 1953, 1954, 1962, 1972 and changed colour in 1979 and 1985. The reverse features the National Coat of Arms.
I had read somewhere that Somoza himself wanted to feature on this new note, however he was convinced to put Ruben Dario instead. Somoza would have to wait a few more years until 1953 to feature on the larger 1000 Cordobas note!
There were 2 executive decrees authorising these notes, the first # 53 on the 8th of May 1946 for 80,000 notes from serial # 000001 - 080000. The second # 26 on the 28th of January 1954 for a further 40,000 from serial numbers 080001 - 120000.
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| Slot: |
10 Cordobas 1953-54 Issue P101 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Nacional
10 Córdobas 1953-58 - Printer: TDLR |
| Grade: |
PMG VF 20 |
| Cert #: |
2079836-001
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| Slot: |
1 Cordoba Decreto 25.5.1968 P115 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Central
1 Córdoba 1968 - Printer: TDLR |
| Grade: |
PMG 66 EPQ |
| Cert #: |
1150200-008
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Owner Comments
The Series B notes of 1968 would continue the design from the previous emission Series A notes from 1962. They were authorised under Executive Decree # 35-AL on the 25th of May 1968 with a total of 78.8 million notes with a face value of C$512 million Cordobas printed by Thomas de La Rue & co.
There was a total of 48 million 1 Cordoba notes produced for this emission with serial numbers 00000001 - 48000000.
There is 3 varieties of this note thanks in part to a further executive decree # 20-MEIC on the 17th of November 1969, saying that this first 1000 banknotes from serial number 00000001 to 00001000 to feature the handwritten signature of the President Anastasio Somoza, the following 500 Banknotes from serial numbers 00001001 to 00001500 to feature the handwritten signature of the president of the Central Bank Dr. Roberto Incer Barquero. These are very rare and I have only seen a couple of the first signed examples which were interestingly in circulated condition.
The rear of the note shows Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, the Nicaraguan currency's namesake. He was a Spanish explorer and the founder of the cities of Leon and Granada in Nicaragua.
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| Slot: |
10 Cordobas Decreto 25.5.1968 P117 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Central
10 Córdobas 1968 |
| Grade: |
PMG 67 EPQ |
| Cert #: |
8073307-029
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| Slot: |
2 Cordobas Decreto 27.4.1972 P121 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Central
2 Córdobas 1972 - Printer: TDLR |
| Grade: |
PMG 67 EPQ |
| Cert #: |
1821165-050
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Owner Comments
The 2 Cordoba note of 1972 marks the return for this denomination after a 27 year absence since the 1945 release (previously used from 1912-1945). It was absent from the releases of the 1950s and the Series A & B from 1962 & 1968 respectively. This would also be the last time the 2 Cordoba denomination would be used on a banknote in Nicaragua.
These notes feature the former Banco Central de Nicaragua (Nicaraguan Central Bank) Headquarters building on the obverse. This was a 15 level building in downtown Managua that was in use from 1964 until December 1972 (the same year these banknotes were issued) when a devastating earthquake struck Managua and destroyed a vast majority of the city, the building didn't topple but was deemed unsafe and the central bank was forced to relocate and remains on this new site to this day. The reverse features a scene depicting the cotton fields.
A rare variation exists that has no 3rd signature that is listed in the standard catalogue as Pick 121b. I have also seen another version that is hand signed by former president Anastasio Somoza but unlike the 1968 1 cordoba notes where a decree exists and calls for the first 1000 banknotes to be hand signed by the president I couldn't find any further information on this.
There was a total of 40 million banknotes of Dos (2) Córdobas that were issued under two separate decrees.
The first the Executive Decree 73-MEIC approved on the 27th of April 1972 authorised the issuance of a new Series C banknotes. For the 2 Córdobas there was a total 25,000,000 banknotes authorised with a total face value of C$50,000,000
There was second Executive Decree 76-MEIC approved on the 13th of March 1974 that authorised a further issuance of another 15,000,000 Dos Córdobas banknotes with a total face value of C$30,000,000
These banknotes will continue from the original first issuance of serial numbers from 25000001 - through to completion (40000000).
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| Slot: |
5 Cordobas Decreto 27.4.1972 P122 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Central
5 Córdobas 1972 |
| Grade: |
PMG 65 EPQ |
| Cert #: |
1821155-028
|
Owner Comments
These banknotes of Cinco (5) Córdobas were issued under two separate decrees.
The first the Executive Decree 73-MEIC approved on the 27th of April 1972 authorised the issuance of a new Series C banknotes. For the 5 Córdobas there was 7,000,000 banknotes authorised with a total face value of C$35,000,000
These notes feature a light green background with the effigy of Cacique Nicarao on the obverse and a trabajador (worker) on the reverse. The serial number commence with 0000001 until completion (7000000).
There was a second Executive Decree 76-MEIC approved on the 13th of March 1974 that authorised a further issuance of another 10,000,000 Cinco Córdobas banknotes with a total face value of C$50,000,000
These banknotes will continue from the original first issuance of serial numbers from 7000001 - through to completion (17000000). This has created a variety of both seven (see the 2nd set) & eight digit (this note) serial numbers.
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| Slot: |
500 Cordobas Decreto 27.4.1972 P127 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Central
500 Córdobas 1972 |
| Grade: |
PMG 65 EPQ |
| Cert #: |
5001891-007
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Owner Comments
Along with the rest of the series C issues for 1972 the 500 cordobas banknote featured a whole new layout and design from the earlier 1962 series A 500 Cordobas note. They did use the same colour black as with the previous issues, however this was then changed to blue for the subsequent 1979 series E release. It will also be the last time that a banknote is issued in Nicaragua in black.
These banknotes were of a fairly high face value for the time and roughly worth $71 USD with the exchange rate pegged at 7:1 during this period. There are both 5 digit and 6 digit serial number variations that exist, this being the later and given the serial number its more than likely a left over note from the vaults of the central bank. I also have a 5 digit serial number variety as part of my collection however it is heavily circulated and a much lower grade, as well as a specimen note that is in uncirculated condition.
These notes feature a black background with the effigy of legendary Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario on the obverse who had now been featured on the 500 Cordobas notes since their inception in 1945, and the subsequent releases in 1953, 1954 & 1962. and a view of the Ruben Dario National Theatre on the reverse.
These banknotes of Quinientos (500) Córdobas were issued under two separate decrees.
The first the Executive Decree 73-MEIC approved on the 27th of April 1972 authorised the issuance of a new Series C banknotes. For the 500 Córdobas there was 50,000 banknotes authorised with a total face value of C$25,000,000
The serial numbers commence with 00001 until completion (50000).
There was a second Executive Decree 76-MEIC approved on the 13th of March 1974 that authorised a further issuance of another 600,000 Quinientos Córdobas banknotes with a total face value of C$300,000,000
These banknotes will continue from the original first issuance of serial numbers from 50001 - through to completion (650000). This new decree has created a variety of both five & six digit serial numbers. Given the high face value and the fact that a new issue was released about 5 years later a there was a portion of these banknotes that did not end up in circulation and the central bank still has these left over banknotes for sale.
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| Slot: |
50 Cordobas Decreto 20.2.1978 P130 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Central
50 Córdobas 1978 |
| Grade: |
PMG 65 EPQ |
| Cert #: |
1745558-080
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Owner Comments
For the 1978 banknotes of "Serie D" the central Bank had initially authorised for the new series to include 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 Cordoba denominations. However under the executive decree 300-MEIC approved on the 20th of February 1978 authorised the printing of only the 20 & 50 Cordoba denomination banknotes. With a total of 11 million banknotes with a face value of C$325,000,000.
For the 50 Cordobas banknotes there were a total of 3,500,000 printed with the serial number starting with 0000001 and onward. The front of the banknotes feature the effigy of Maximo Jerez a Nicaraguan politician and military leader from the mid 19th century. On the reverse of the note shows "ganaderia" cattle farming.
There are two different varieties for this issue which are listed in the banknote book but are not recognised in the standard catalogue. These apply to both the 20 & 50 cordobas issued in 1978, it has to do with a dot that is present or not after the third signature. This particular banknote does not have the dot. The printing of the 3rd signature I believe may have taken place at two different sites or possibly on two separate machines, and this may explain the differences. I have also seen many of these banknotes where the position of the signature is not inline with the other signatures or it being on an angle.
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| Slot: |
100 Cordobas Decreto 16.8.1979 P132 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Central
100 Córdobas 1979 |
| Grade: |
PMG 64 |
| Cert #: |
1859931-008
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Owner Comments
These banknotes were authorised for emission through an executive decree # 45 on the 16th of August 1979 for 9 million 100 Cordobas notes to be issued, this was done shortly after the Sandinista's had taken control over the country. These were to replace what was originally to be produced through a Series D but only included the 20 & 50 Cordobas denominations (I could imagine for the political instability at the time) however it was supposed to be a complete series from 2 Cordobas through to 1000 Cordobas.
What was interesting was only less than a month later they authorised the emission of 1.6 million 100 Cordobas banknotes from the 1972 series C. These were to be from serial number 5500001 through to 7100000. This is where it gets interesting they have continued the serial numbers on from 7100001 through to 1610000. Creating both 7 and 8 digit serial numbers varieties. This note with the serial # 7100397 is actually a low serial number variety.
With the following emissions they changed the design however they extended the serial numbers again this time for P137 through to separate decrees in 1980 & 1983 for a further 5 & 7.5 million notes respectively creating two further signature varieties. With the serial numbers continuing from 16100001 through to 28600000.
The obverse of the banknote features Jose Dolores Estrada a Nicaraguan National Hero that was in charge of an army that helped defeat the filibuster army of William Walker in the battle at San Jacinto Hacienda in 1856. He was featured on the 100 Cordobas banknotes from 1962 through to 1984, then the 50 Cordoba banknote from 1988, as well as the 50,000 and 10 million Cordobas notes from 1989/90. And finally on the 2002/06 500 Cordobas banknotes.
The reverse of the note features the National flower the Sacjuanjoche.
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| Slot: |
20 Cordobas 1979 ND Second Issue P135 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Central
20 Córdobas 1979 - Printer: TDLR |
| Grade: |
PMG 67 EPQ |
| Cert #: |
1818643-069
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Owner Comments
These 1979 Series E banknotes formed part of the first emissions for the newly formed revolutionary Sandinista Government.
There was a total of 30 million 20 Cordoba banknotes that were authorised by 2 decrees 454 on the 21st of June 1980 for 10 million and 503 on the 30th of August 1980 for a further 20 million.
This particularly banknote given the high serial number I would believe have been leftover banknotes that would have been stored in the Central Bank vaults.
The obverse of the banknote features Commander German Pomares Ordoñez a revolutionary and considered a national hero. He was one of the founders of the Frente Sandinista (FSLN), he fought against the ruling Somoza government and was killed only months before the Sandinistas claimed victory. The reverse of the banknote features soldiers marching from the Militia of Popular Sandinistas.
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| Slot: |
50 Cordobas Resolution of 6.8.1984 P140 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Central
50 Córdobas 1984 - Printer: TDLR |
| Grade: |
PMG 67 EPQ |
| Cert #: |
1623159-054
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Owner Comments
These series F notes continued on the same design from the previous 2nd emission series E notes.
I believe there was a total of 13 million of these banknotes were produced. A number were later overprinted to produced the 50,000 cordoba note (P148).
On the obverse is Comandante Carlos Fonseca Amador he was one of the founders of the Frente Sandinista and was killed in 1976 3 years prior to the Sandinistas taking power in 1979. His portrait was used on the previous issue 50 Cordoba notes and the 10 Cordoba note from 1988.
On the reverse of the banknote is a scene depicting the day of liberation (dia de liberacion) on the 19th of July 1979 showing a large crowd of Sandinista sympathisers celebrating in front of the Cathedral in Managua. This same design would be used on the 1988 1000 Cordobas banknotes also.
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| Slot: |
100 Cordobas Resolution of 6.8.1984 P141 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Central
100 Córdobas 1984 (ND 1986) - Printer: TDLR |
| Grade: |
PMG 67 EPQ |
| Cert #: |
1623159-059
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Owner Comments
These series F notes continued on the same design from the previous 2nd emission series E notes.
I believe there was a total of 11,850,000 of these banknotes were produced through two separate decrees.
As at November 2020 there was a total of 12 of these notes certified and in my first set there is the highest and only one graded at 68 EPQ.
The obverse of the banknote features Jose Dolores Estrada a Nicaraguan National Hero that was in charge of an army that helped defeat the filibuster army of William Walker in the battle at San Jacinto Hacienda in 1856. He was featured on the 100 Cordobas banknotes from 1962 through to 1984, then the 50 Cordoba banknote from 1988, as well as the 50,000 and 10 million Cordobas notes from 1989/90. And finally on the 2002/06 500 Cordobas banknotes.
The reverse of the note features the National flower the Sacjuanjoche.
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| Slot: |
1000 Cordobas Resolution of 6.8.1984 P143 |
| Item: |
Nicaragua, Banco Central
1000 Córdobas 1984 (ND 1985) |
| Grade: |
PMG 65 EPQ |
| Cert #: |
5001891-004
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Owner Comments
For the 1984 Series F the 1000 Cordobas banknotes they were authorised under two different Central Bank resolutions the first on the 2nd of July 1984 and another one of the 19th of November 1984. There is no break down for each denomination just a global amount across all denominations with a total face value is listed in the Flores book. The amounts are 45.5 million banknotes with a face value of 8.9 billion cordobas and the following order is for 7.85 million banknotes with what I believe to be a typo of 7.85 billion in face value (as this would equate to only 1000 cordobas banknotes). After checking the serial numbers and running some calculations I believe that there was approximately 4.5 million of the 1000 Cordobas banknotes printed.
They have continued the design from the previous 1979 Series E banknotes. The banknotes pay homage to revolutionary leader Augusto César Sandino, the rebellious guerrilla leader that fought against the United States involvement and military presence in Nicaragua. He was later executed at the hands of the national guard under orders of General Anastasio Somoza who would later become president and dictator of Nicaragua.
The Sandinistas later adpoted his name for their political party and his famous wide brimmed hat and portrait are widely used in their political propaganda and was also featured on the reverse of the coins issued during the 1980s whilst the Sandinistas were in power.
On the reverse of the banknote is Sandino's modest childhood home.
This particular banknote is a very low double digit serial number which is also a matching numbers serial with the Series G (P145a).
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