| Argentina: Banco Central de Argentina |
The Banco Central de la Republica Argentina was established on 28th May 1935 and continued issuing the Liberty with Torch Series of banknotes in 50 centavos, 1 and 5 pesos denominations. New designs for the banknotes were introduced from 1952 which lasted until 1970 (P262 to P281) when the peso was replaced by the New Peso (100:1) in an attempt to halt the decline of the currency. This was achieved by the use of overprinted notes before a further change to the design of the notes. However following continued devaluation the Bank oversaw further currency reform in 1983 with the introduction of the Peso Argentino (=10000 Pesos) but this failed to stabilised the currency requiring yet another, and more fundamental change in 1985 when Australes were introduced (1 Austral = 1000 Pesos Argentinos). Economic chaos continued with the reintroduction of the Peso in 1992 replacing Australes (1 Peso to 10000 Australes) and then again in 2002 with a 70% devaluation. Following numerous international attempts to stabilise the currency a change in administration in 2014 saw another 30% devaluation. In summary nearly 90 years of turmoil has resulted in multiple incarnations of the Argentine banknotes and the one included here is 5 Pesos note (P252a) from the 1935 Liberty and torch set.
|
8067818-046
| Argentina, Banco Central
5 Pesos | Argentina | 66 EPQ |
|
| Argentina: La Provencia de Buenos Aryes |
In 1863 El Banco y Casa de Moneda de Buenos Aries changed its name to La Provincia de Buenos Aries however the first issue of notes were of poor quality causing many problems including an upsurge in counterfeit notes circulating in the economy. It was decided that the quality control challenges of in-house production using the newly installed steam presses would take some time to overcome and as a result a second printing, with an issue date of 1st April 1867, was contracted to Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. This switch to an established printer gave much higher quality notes but unfortunately the old name Buenos Ayres was used rather than the new spelling; Buenos Aries (as in use today).
|
2179682-008
| Argentina, Provincia de Buenos Ayres
1 Peso | Argentina | VF 20 |
|
| Belize: Central Bank of Belize |
1973 saw British Honduras renamed Belize and the Board of Commissioners of Currency continued to issue banknotes until 1976 when the interim Monetary Authority of Belize took over. The Central Bank of Belize was founded in January 1982 completing the transition to independent control of the currency and remains the sole issuer of banknotes for the country.
|
2176340-056
| Belize, Central Bank
20 Dollars - Printer: TDLR | Belize | 68 EPQ |
|
| Bolivia: Banco Francisco Argandano |
Francisco Argandona, made his fortune from mining silver and opened a bank in 1892, named after himself, as a way to diversify his investments. As the Bolivian economy expanded this made Francisco extremely wealthy enabling him to also forge a successful diplomatic career alongside bank operations. Francisco died in 1910 and the bank only remained active until 1912 when it closed. Throughout his life, Francisco and his wife - Clotilde Urioste Velasco, dedicated much of their time and resources to charitable work, in particular helping orphaned children. This commitment was recognised by Pope Leo XIII in 1898, who awarded them the honourable titles of Prince and Princess of La Glorieta. They even lived in a, somewhat eccentric, pink castle!
|
2077643-022
| Bolivia, Banco Francisco Argando?a
1 Boliviano | Bolivia | VF 25 |
|
| Bolivia:Banco Mercantil |
Simon Patino, an extremely wealthy businessman, founded the Banco Mercantil in Oruro in 1905 to support the booming mining industry. Unfortunately, an almost immediate economic crisis in the country resulted in the collapse of many mining companies, with the bank being saved by a further cash injection from Patino. This was an astute financial decision, as Banco Mercantil became Bolivia’s largest bank by 1910. From 1906 until 1911, the Banco Mercantil in Bolivia issued notes in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 bolivanos even though this period corresponds to multiple Series and print runs there are only two different dates on them 01.07.1906 and 01.07.1911. Although no longer issuing its own currency, and for almost the next century, the Banco Mercantil maintained itself as one of Bolivia’s largest private banks until, in 2006, it merged with Banco Santa Cruz to become the Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz which still plays a major role in the banking sector in Bolivia.
|
8039318-010
| Bolivia, Banco Mercantil ""SPECIM
1 Boliviano | Bolivia | 64 |
|
| Bolivia: Banco Potosi |
As a result of the War of the Pacific (1879 to 1883: Chile against Bolivia/Peru) the Banco Potosi was probably established to support mining operations in the region, famous for its silver mines. The bank issued two sets of notes, the first in 1887 and the second in 1894. Both issues consisted of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Bolivanos however the 1894 series does not seem to have been needed as only the 1 Bolivano, and maybe the 50 Bolivano, notes appear to have been issued. According to the SCWPM-Specialised Issues the 10 and 20 Bolivanos may only be known as Proofs and Specimens with the other denominations mainly recorded as remainders. Unfortunately, the bank operations were shut down as the post-war period progressed. More research on this bank is needed.
|
2089753-057
| Boliva, Banco Potosi
1 Boliviano - Printer: BWC | Bolivia | 66 EPQ |
|
| Bolivia: Tesoreria de la Republica de Bolivia |
The Acre war, fought between Bolivia and Brazil from 1899 until 1903, was over control of the valuable Acre Territory and its lucrative rubber plantations. Bolivia lost this conflict, and several others during the period, meaning that the region is part of present day Brazil. The start of the 20th Century did not have the global logistics we are familiar with today and getting currency to the remote Territory of the Colonies was hampered by both distance and terrain. As a result, these vouchers were issued locally by the Treasury of the Republic of Bolivia to meet demand for currency, and circulated alongside the national currency and those issued by the private banks. As a result, this is an interesting short series of notes, all dated 1902 and issued in denominations of 50 centavos, 1, 5, 10, 20 Bolivanos. Signatures only appear on the two lowest value notes.
https://bolivianumismatica.blogspot.com/2019/09/za-banca-estatal-i-emision-de-vales-de.html
|
2089753-029
| Bolivia, Tesorer?a de la Rep?blica
1 Boliviano | Bolivia | 63 EPQ |
|
| Bolivia: Banco Central de Bolivia |
Bolivia, like most countries in the region, was transitioning from the many different notes and designs issued by the private banks, to a centralised financial system. The Central Bank was founded in 1928, began operations in 1929 with the first notes being overprinted issues from the Banco de la Nacion Bolivana before introducing its own designs over the following few years. Despite the numerous coups, attempted coups and changes of governments the Central bank has continued and today is still responsible for the currency in Bolivia.
|
1166994-001
| Bolivia, Banco Central ""SPEC
50 Bolivianos | Bolivia | 65 EPQ |
|
| Brazil: Banco Central do Brazil |
A military dictatorship was established in Brazil following a coup in 1964 resulting in reorganisation of the financial structure of the country. The first notes issued by the Banco Central do Brazil were in response to this and were denominated in a new currency the Brazilian cruzerio novo (1:1000 Brazilian cruzerio which was the currency at the time). Initially this was by using overprints on existing designs but on the new design notes, issued in 1970, the name of the currency reverted to the Brazilian cruzerio. The fall of military control in 1985 saw a further devaluation of the currency and the introduction of the Brazilian cruzado in 1986 (1:1000) which survived a mere three years to be replaced by the Brazilian cruzado novo (again at 1:1000) as the turmoil of democracy returning to Brazil took hold. The following year saw the new currency regain the Brazilian cruzerio name which also only lasted three years before becoming the Brazilian cruzerio real in 1993 (at 1:1000). Only a year later this became the Brazilian real (2750:1) which is in use today.
|
1858429-009
| 10 Centavos on 100 Cruzeiros ND (1966-67) | Brazil | 66 EPQ |
|
| British Guiana: British Guiana Bank |
With Louis Napoleon in power in the Netherlands the British took the opportunity to take control of a number of overseas territories and re-combined the two Dutch colonies Demerera and Essequibo in 1812 creating Demerera-Essequibo. This new colony was retained by the British following the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815, with further expansion in 1831 incorporating the neighbouring region of Berbice and forming British Guiana. The British Guiana Bank was just one of a number of banks established to facilitate trade between the region and Europe – mainly sugar products but with bauxite/aluminium contributing to the economy from the end of the 19th century.
|
2180478-102
| British Guiana, British Guiana Bank ""PRO
20 Dollars - Demerara | British Guiana | XF 40 |
|
| British Guiana: Barclays D.C.O. |
By 1925 Barclays Bank had secured a controlling interest in The Colonial Bank (West Indies), The National Bank of South Africa (southern Africa) and the Anglo-Egyptian Bank (Palestine, Mediterranean, North Africa) enabling their operations to be combined under the new Barclays bank (Dominion, Colonial and Overseas). This consolidation of international banking interests, albeit with several name changes over time, enabled Barclays to become the major global bank it is today and lasted until 1984 when a major reorganisation of the Barclays Group took place with Barclays Bank International becoming part of Barclays PLC.
|
2092570-004
| British Guiana, Barclays Bank
5 Dollars - Code Letters ""B.G."" | British Guiana | 64 |
|
| Chile: Banco de Curico |
The Banco de Curico was founded in October 1881 and issued notes of 5, 10 and 20 pesos dated 1882 even though some were printed and released a number of years after this date. These notes are usually found as single remainders and sometimes as uncut sheets both with and without counterfoils. The bank continued to operate until 1959 (but not issue currency) when it merged with the Banco de Credito e Inversiones.
|
2085873-079
| Chile, Banco de Curic?
20 Pesos - Printer: ABNC | Chile | 65 EPQ |
|
| Colombia: Banco de Caldas |
Caldas is one of the coffee growing regions of Colombia and is named after Francisco Jose de Caldas, a key figure in the fight for independence following Napoleon’s invasion of Spain and the installation of his brother Joseph as a replacement for Ferdinand VII. Following the defeat of Napoleon the Spanish crown dispatched forces to regain control of their colonies, although this ultimately failed, Francisco Jose de Caldas along with many other prominent republicans was captured and executed by firing squad in 1816.
Similar to other private banks of the period the Banco de Caldas was established in the early 20th century to facilitate trade in products resulting from the success of local production, coffee in this case. A single series of banknotes (50 centavos, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 pesos), dated 1919, is known to have been produced, however it appears that only the 1, 2 and 5 pesos were actually issued. All denominations feature a portrait of Francisco Jose de Caldas indicating the importance of his legacy to the area and recognising his contributions to science and engineering. He also features on the 20 pesos oro note issued in Colombia during 1966-1983 (see Banco de la Republica entry in this Set)
|
8002194-018
| Colombia, Banco de Caldas ""SPECIMEN""
20 Pesos - Printer: ABNC | Colombia | 64 |
|
| Colombia: Banco de la Republica |
There had been several attempts to start a national bank in Colombia but civil war and wider regional conflicts meant that these failed to get established. Key changes in the legal framework of the country allowed the Banco de la Republica to assume the role of Central Bank for Colombia in 1923 and it still holds this role today. Initially any currency issued had to be backed by gold to give confidence in this new economic structure so the ‘peso oro’ was born. Unlike, some neighbouring countries where the currency changed names regularly in response to rapidly increasing inflation, it was 1994 before Colombia replaced this denomination by the ‘peso’.
|
8046545-021
| 20 Pesos Oro 1979-83 | Colombia | 67 EPQ |
|
| Costa Rica: Banco Internacional de Costa Rica |
The Banco Internacional de Costa Rica started to issue notes in 1914 in 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 colones (1 colon = 1 peso in 1896). 1918 saw an increased need for smaller denominations and the bank added notes of 25 and 50 centimos, 1 and 2 colones although the 25 centimos note only lasted for 2 years which coincided with the dictatorship of General Frederico Tinoco. After 1917, and until 1936, it was only these notes that were in circulation although the new Banco Nacional initially just added overprints to these notes indicating the change in issuer.
|
2180479-078
| Costa Rica, Banco Internacional ""SPECIME
25 C?ntimos | Costa Rica | 66 EPQ |
|
| Costa Rica: Banco Central de Costa Rica |
Jose Figueres Ferrer established the Social Democratic Party in 1944 however much of the population were concerned about a ‘rigged’ presidential election in 1948 resulting in the 44 day Costa Rica Civil War from which Figueres was appointed provisional president. He promptly abolished the military and reformed the banking sector founding the Central Bank de Costa Rica in 1951. The Central Bank has maintained a relatively stable economy from then until today.
|
2019194-021
| Costa Rica, Banco Central
10,000 Colones - Printer: F-CO | Costa Rica | 68 EPQ |
|
| Ecuador: Banco Internacional |
The Banco Internacional, Eucador issued notes in 1, 5, 10, 20, 100 and 500 sucres from 1886 until 1894. At this point the bank became part of the Banco Comercial y Agricola which, along with Banco del Ecuador, issued currency for Ecuador from 1895 until 1922. Information for this bank is going to require more research.
|
1907980-046
| Ecuador, Banco Internacional
1 Sucre - Printer: W&S | Ecuador | 66 EPQ |
|
| Ecuador: Banco Sur Americano |
The Banco Sur Americano planned to issue notes in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 sucre denominations however this only appears to have happened for the 1 and 5 sucre notes. All notes are dated 2nd January 1920 and this post World War I period saw wide fluctuations in the value of the sucre on the international exchanges and it is no surprise that most of the notes are readily available as remainders as there was probably little point in actually issuing them at the time. The value of the sucre stabilised in 1926 when Ecuador introduced the gold standard meaning 1 sucre was worth $0.20USD. From this point the Central Bank of Ecuador was established to be the sole source of currency in the country. Information for this bank is going to require more research.
|
1167114-008
| Ecuador, Banco Sur Americano
20 Sucres - Wmk: Bank Title & 20 | Ecuador | 66 EPQ |
|
| El Salvador: BancoCentral de Reserva de ElSalvador |
The Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador was founded in 1934, however this was as a private company. Following the introduction of new laws in 1961 to rationalise banking in the country the bank became state owned and holds the sole rights to issue currency. Given the dramatic changes in the political and economic landscape in El Salvador over the following years (not least the long running civil war 1979-1992) many printers have been used to produce the numerous different, but often similar issues. Not many changes were made to the design over this period with the last, and most dramatic, one appearing in 1997. The final issues are dated 1999, as El Salvador adopted the US dollar as its currency in 2001.
|
8085289-044
| El Salvador, Banco Central de Reserva
1 Col?n - Printer: TDLR | El Salvador | 66 EPQ |
|
| French Guiana: Banque de la Guyane |
Following an emergency issue of 40 livres in 1795 and a need for local currency the Banque de la Guyanne issued the first notes for French Guiana with the 500 Francs in 1888, other denominations followed with more emergency issues needed during both World Wars. The 1940s saw production of notes by several other French authorities until the early 1960s when French Guiana came under the administration of the French Antilles.
|
1910013-084
| French Guiana, Banque de la Guyane
5 Francs | French Guiana | AU 58 |
|
| Guatemala: Banco Comercial de Guatemala |
The Banco Comercial de Guatemala was founded in 1891, however, by 1895 it had evolved and became the Banco Agricola Hipotecario (the next Bank in the collection). The bank issued notes in 1, 5, 25, 100 and 500 peso denomination and all are now rare. Even though print runs are reported as 200,000 (1 peso), 60,000 (5 pesos), 8000 (25 pesos), 5000 (100 pesos) and 2000 (500 pesos) it is no surprise that the most often seen is the 1 peso note with probably <20 examples?. In addition, just a handful of the 5 pesos notes seem to have survived and almost none of those of the higher values – hopefully some exist in long-standing private collections.
|
2184330-047
| Guatemala, Banco Comercial
1 Peso - Printer: IBNC | Guatemala | F 12 |
|
| Guatemala: Banco Colombiano |
A group of Colombian businessmen, based in Guatemala founded The Banco Colombiano on 31st October 1878. Notes were issued in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos denomination and may have circulated in both Guatemala and Colombia. Several of the notes portray farming scenes; coffee (10$), general farming (1 & 20$), sugar cane (50$) and cattle (100$) maybe suggestive of some of the financial interests of the founders. The 5$ depicts the ‘prickly pear’ cactus which was an important food crop in the region. The last issues appear to have been 1901 with all of the remaining notes either cancelled or lacking signatures etc. Another bank which needs more research.
|
1906131-006
| Guatemala, Banco Colombiano
1 Peso - Printer: BWC | Guatemala | 64 |
|
| Guatemala: Banco Agricola Hipotecario |
The Banco Agricola Hipotecario began in 1895 as a reincarnation of the Banco Comercial de Guatemala, and issued 1, 5, 25, 50, 100 and 500 pesos notes from 1895 until 1926. These notes are found with a variety of issue dates, including many not included in the SCWPM: Specialised Issues. Some also bear an overprint ‘Pagadero en quezaltenango’ with an additional date.
|
8016299-007
| Guatemala, Banco Agricola Hipotecario
1 Peso | Guatemala | 64 EPQ |
|
| Guatemala: Banco Occidente en Quezaltenango |
The Banco de Occidente en Quezaltenango was founded in 1881 to provide financial services to the western highlands of the country. Initially this compromised of an issue of 25 centavos notes with the higher denominations printed by ABNC (1, 5, 20 and 100 pesos; 1883-1920) and W&S (1900-1926). The Guatemala City branch issued specific notes in 1894 which are distinguished by ‘La Sucursal Guatemala del’ in addition to the bank name. The various notes all seem to have circulated at the same time.
|
2081474-008
| Guatemala, Banco de Occidente
5 Pesos - Quezaltenango | Guatemala | 63 |
|
| Guatemala: Banco de Guatemala |
The 1944 revolution deposing Jorge Ubico saw the founding of the Banco de Guatemala which took over from the Banco de Central de Guatemala and remains the source of the Quetzal currency which was introduced in 1924. Since that time there have been numerous denominations issued although the last production of smallest denomination, the half quetzal notes was in 1998-1999 with a new high value note of 200 quetzales being introduced in 2009. Unlike some countries the currency has been surprising stable over this period despite the dramatic changes in government and a civil war which last for 36 years from 1960. The constant change in the printers used for the production of the banknotes no doubt reflects these swings in administration and is still the case today.
|
2084793-026
| 5 Quetzales 1960 | Guatemala | 64 |
|
| Guatemala: Comite Bancario de Guatemala |
In order to pay its debts to the banks the government founded the Comite Bancario de Guatemala which issued legal tender inconvertible notes in a variety of denominations bearing various dates during 1899. From a total issue of 6 million pesos comprised 1, 5 and 25 pesos notes however most were withdrawn by 1925 leaving less than 20% remaining in circulation.
|
1964172-034
| Guatemala, Comite Bancario
1 Peso | Guatemala | VF 30 |
|
| Guyana: Bank of Guyana |
Guyana gained independence from the UK in 1966 (formerly British Guiana) and the Bank of Guyana began operations in 1965 to facilitate this transition. The first banknotes were issued in 1965 and denominated in Guyana dollars $1, $5, $10 and $20, further issues followed in 1988-1992 and 1996-2006 with small changes in the design and additional security features. Over the years’ extra issues of the higher denominations were needed to meet demand, $100 to $5000, resulting in more production runs from 1999, 2006 and 2013. All notes have the bank logo on the front, which depicts the major industries in Guyana, and on the right either Kaieteur Falls (early issues) or a map of Guyana highlighting the locale of the valuable mineral resources.
|
2088411-045
| 5000 Dollars ND (2013) - Printer: F-CO | Guyana | 69 EPQ |
|
| Honduras: Aguan Navigation and Improvement Company |
The Aguan Navigation and Improvement Company was set-up to raise funds to support the building of a canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific using the River Aguan as a major component of the project and established a new port, near Trujillo, at the eastern end of the waterway. Despite the potential profits from such an endeavour a number of competing bids were in development and the company folded early on after only a single issue of notes – 50 centavos, 2, 5, 10 and 50 pesos. The Honduras option not only had to traverse more land but regional politics played a significant role in the decision with Nicaragua finally losing out to Panama. After 10 years the construction of the canal was completed in 1914 fulfilling its goal of facilitating east-west commerce and it is now vital to global trade.
|
2002590-002
| Honduras, Aguan Navigation & Improv. Co.
50 Centavos | Honduras | 64 EPQ |
|
| Mexico: Banco de Campeche |
The Banco de Campeche was established as the only state bank in 1903 following a break-away of the local branch from the Banco de Yucateco supported by local businessmen. Like many smaller banks no longer issued notes following the banking reforms of 1908. Some banks merged with others whereas Banco de Campeche voluntarily converted to a Loan Bank. Notes were issued in 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos however only one of each of the two highest denominations is known and those are held in the Mexican National Archive.
https://papermoneyofmexico.com/index.php/history/campeche/banco-campeche
|
1083922-003
| Mexico, Banco de Campeche ""SPECIMEN""
10 Pesos | Mexico | 65 EPQ |
|
| Mexico: Banco de Chiapas |
The Banco de Chiapas was founded in 1901, unusually this was an American owned bank established to support the building of a railway, however one of the partners commitment was somewhat dubious and it only operated for a few months before closing.* In addition, the locals tended to use a local Guatemalan currency and banking services offered by the wealthy families of the region and had no trust in a new bank. During 1902 the bank was put in the hands of a local businessman and its fortunes improved greatly before merging with Banco Oriental de Mexico in 1909 following the banking reforms of 1908. During this short-time a limited number of denominations were printed by the ABNC with proof and specimen notes known for the 5, 10 and 20 pesos. The total value of issued notes, across all denominations, was only $500,000 with the Banco Oriental de Mexico recalling these following the merger and recording $440,000 as incinerated.
*For more details see https://papermoneyofmexico.com/index.php/history/chiapas/banco-chiapas
|
2085907-002
| Mexico, Banco de Chiapas ""SPECIMEN""
20 Pesos | Mexico | 66 EPQ |
|
| Mexico: Banco Minero de Chihuahua |
1914 saw the first notes bearing the Banco Minero de Chihuahua name following a reinvention of the Banco Minero as Chihuahua came under rebel control. Some of the Directors established a new branch in El Paso, coupled with the original Mexico City branch, which was still operating, the new ‘bank’ took full advantage of the relaxing of capital requirements to issue large numbers of notes (50c, 2, 5 and 10 pesos). Unfortunately, this resulted in these notes losing acceptance and being rapidly devalued over the next few years. Like many other State banks the post-revolution banking reforms resulted in closure.
https://papermoneyofmexico.com/index.php/history/chihuahua/banco-minero/issues-during-revolution
|
2081548-010
| Singapore, Board of Comm. of Currency
10,000 Dollars | Singapore | XF 45 |
|
| Mexico: Banco Comercio e Industria |
Many colonial powers had financial interests in Mexico and the wider region and set-up banks to facilitate trade – Germany was no different. Deutsche Bank (still in operation today) was founded in 1870 and rapidly established a presence with branches opening across the region. A name change was made, in 1906, of the Mexico City Branch to Banco Mexicano de Comercio e Industria no doubt to separate the bank operations in each country and provide a local association. World War I, and the links to Germany, resulted in the US Government taking control of the bank and stock, coupled with the 1915 financial reforms in Mexico meant that notes do not appear to have actually been issued and only specimens are known.
|
2022230-012
| Mexico
1000 Pesos | Mexico | 64 |
|
| Mexico: Banco de Durango |
Durango is one of the largest states in Mexico, and similar to many without a coastline, has an economy based on mining and the production of a range of agricultural products. Improved transport and communication links rapidly expanded the potential market for goods, increasing production, and to facilitate this new level of commercial activity state banks were established. The Banco de Durango was founded in 1890 and this association is reflected in the vignettes on most of the notes issued, akin to the currency issued by other State Bancos the notes also feature lots of trains.
Series I notes, in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 pesos were printed by ABNC and Series II by B&S (only 5 and 10 pesos), with most of the denominations regularly appearing for sale. For some of these specimens are readily available, others remainders and/or certain issue dates however a full set would be quite a challenge.
|
2085122-060
| Mexico, Banco de Durango
1 Peso - Printer: ABNC | Mexico | 64 EPQ |
|
| Mexico: Banco de Guerrero |
The Banco de Guerrero is the only 'Banco' for the state, it began operations in 1906, with its first branch established in Iguala. Guerrero is in the southwest of Mexico and is named after Vicente Guerrero Saldana who, having joined the Mexican revolutionary forces in 1810, progressed to the rank of General with control of the southern forces. As a result he played a key role in Mexico gaining her independence from Spain in 1821 and went on to serve in the provisional government which was established in 1823 following Agustin de Iturbide's failed attempt at the introduction of a monarchy. Later on in 1829 he became President, with his most notable achievement being the abolishment of slavery in Mexico. This office proved shortlived, he was deposed by his vice president Anastasio Bustamante, subsequently captured and executed by firing squad in 1831. Liquidation of the bank, and many others, followed in 1921 as the financial sector in Mexico was consolidated after the Revolutionary War.
|
1022375-009
| 50 Pesos M364 1900s (ca. 1914) | Mexico | 66 EPQ |
|
| Mexico: Banco de Jalisco |
The Banco de Jalisco was founded in 1897 with Bradbury Wilkinson & Co printing the first Set of notes, running from 50 centavos to 1000 pesos – this was a bit odd, as at the time, banks couldn’t issue notes of the less than 5 pesos and therefore the two smallest denominations were redundant. Fortunately, they were saved and when regulation changes allowed the issue of these lower denominations they entered circulation in 1914 alongside the ABNC printed Series 2 notes (1902 to 1914). The bank closed in 1915 joining the fate of many other State Banks following the post-Revolution financial reforms.
|
5003188-016
| Mexico, Banco de Jalisco ""SPECIMEN""
5 Pesos | Mexico | 65 EPQ |
|
| Mexico: Estado Libre y Soberano de Mexico, Toluca |
During the Mexican Revolution hoarding of coins due to their metal content was common place and as a result there was a shortage of small denominations for day-to-day transactions. To address this problem Gustavo Baz, as provisional Governor of the State, authorised an extraordinary issue of low denomination notes in March 1915, which was made up of 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos. After only a few weeks the 1 and 5 pesos notes were added. As the various rebel forces left Toluca the town came under the control of the Constitutionalists in mid-October 1915. One of their first actions was to immediately nullify the whole issue and issue their own notes!
|
2019190-011
| Mexico - Revolutionary
1 Peso - Toluca | Mexico - Revolutionary | 64 |
|
| Mexico: San Miguel Solis y Annexas |
The Hacienda San Miguel Solis is in the Temascalcingo region in the North West of the State of Mexico and is located at the site of a hot spring, giving a supply of mineral rich water. Although established during the colonial period the Hacienda’s still had a major influence on the economy, and like large companies, issued their own ‘notes’ which often circulated locally alongside the national currency. It appears that late 1915 saw denominations of 1 peso, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos produced, all of which had the same basic design but in different colours, and were to circulate within the Hacienda. A hoard of these ‘notes’, already bearing signatures, but without the Hacienda stamps, was found which means that these ‘remainders’ are often encountered in high grade.
|
8078399-089
| Mexico, Miguel Solis y Anexas
5 Centavos | Mexico | 65 EPQ |
|
| Mexico: Banco San Luis Potosi |
1897 saw the Madero and the Meade brothers establish the Banco de San Luis Potosi, which issued notes in seven denominations from 5 to 1000 pesos, and was the only private bank for the central Mexican state. When a change in the law allowed banks to issue notes for amounts under 5 pesos the bank took advantage of this in 1914 and added 1 and 2 pesos to the series. This didn’t last long, as the 1915 financial reforms enacted at the end of the Revolutionary period centralised control and resulted in the closure of many State banks, the Banco de San Luis Potosi was no different as it too could not meet the new capital requirements.
https://papermoneyofmexico.com/history/slp/banco-slp
|
2179682-088
| Mexico, Banco de San Luis Potos?
1 Peso | Mexico | F 15 |
|
| Mexico: Banco de Tamaulipas |
The Banco de Tamaulipas began operations in 1902, and is the only 'Banco' for the state which not only borders Texas but also has a major port, Tampico, giving access to the Gulf of Mexico. Tampico is located in the south east corner of the state and is also the largest city, and where the first branch of the bank was established by the Governor and a group of local business men and as such the back of all the notes in this series reflects the city Coat of Arms. However this is not quite the case as the boatman and the land are fine however the two animals in the foreground on the Coat of Arms are otters as Tampico apparently means 'place of the water dogs' in the Mayan derivative language called Huastec, not surprising given the ideal conditions for the species provided by the marshy coastline. However given the reference to 'water dogs' I guess the American Bank Note Company were not paying complete attention and engraved two 'dogs' instead of two otters. They may not be entirely to blame as I assume the Banco de Tamaulipas management also approved of the design although they may have thought the provided 'coat of arms' was enough description. The bank fared a little better than some at the end of the Revolutionary War by becoming a development bank rather than issuing currency which was now done through the Banco de Mexico. Examples of the 5,10, 20, 50, 100 and 1000 pesos notes can be seen in my competitive set for the Banco de Tamaulipas.
|
2107605-019
| 1000 Pesos M526s ND (1900s) | Mexico | 64 |
|
| Mexico: Banco Mercantil de Veracruz |
The Banco Mercantil de Veracruz was founded in 1897 to facilitate trade through the port of Veracruz given its critical position on the Gulf of Mexico. The bank operated until the 1920s but like many of the original state banks this one didn't survive the revolution when Carranza as the new President cancelled all their charters in an attempt to centralise the banking system. The bank issued notes of 5, 10 (two types), 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 pesos with the vignette from the latter note being used for the front cover of Mexican Paper Money.
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1166984-014
| Mexico
5 Pesos | Mexico | 65 EPQ |
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| Mexico: Gobierno Constitucionalista del Estado Lib |
1915 saw the mid-stage of the Revolution in Mexico and a national currency was lacking however a medium of exchange was still needed for economic transactions and local issues filled the gap. In September 1915 the Governor of Veracruz authorised an issue of small denomination ‘cartones’ (5, 10 and 20c) to facilitate vital day-to-day trade. These were printed on pasteboard with an image of a key figure on one side and the Coat of Arms for an important city in the State (5c: Francisco Madero/Xalapa, 10c Benito Juarez/Orizaba, 20c: Miguel Hidalgo/Veracruz). The notes also have EVLL as an overprint in red for Estado Veracruz Llave Libre.
https://papermoneyofmexico.com/index.php/history/veracruz/cartones
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5003415-006
| Mexico - Revolutionary
20 Centavos - Veracruz-Llave | Mexico - Revolutionary | 66 EPQ |
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| Mexico: Estado de Chihuahua |
This is an extensive revolutionary issue (1914-1915) in the name of the State of Chihuahua and is commonly referred to as ‘dos caritas’ notes due to the two portraits on the front of 5, 10, 20 and 50 pesos notes although these are not on either of the two major types of 50 centavos notes. Although Francisco Madero (on the left) played a pivotal role in removing the Dictator Porfirio Diaz from power at the start of the revolution he was not effective in bringing Mexico together and was removed by General Victoriano Huerta who had him executed. A similar fate befell the Governor of Chihuahua Abraham Gonzalez (on the right) who was assassinated on Huerta’s orders in 1913. These notes are known to have numerous combinations of treasury seals, stamps, control letters and dates and many were also revalidated for use in other states and after the end of the revolution adding yet another stamp. Overall, more than a 1000 varieties are known of this popular series and for a extensive study of this series see papermoneyofmexico.com.
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8088620-042
| Mexico - Revolutionary, Estado de Chihuahua
20 Pesos | Mexico - Revolutionary | 66 EPQ |
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| L. Gutierrez, Merida, Yucatan |
In the late 1800’s there was a shortage of banknotes in Yucatan compromising trade so the major companies based in the capital city, Merida decided to issue their own notes from ~1874. These were professionally produced by printers in the US and were widely accepted in the region. The authorities made several attempts to replace these unofficial issues eventually fining the companies involved in 1889. As a response the companies started official banks – Banco Mercantil de Yucatan and Banco de Yucateco! One of these companies that issued notes was L. Guiterrez Sucesores, established in 1860 and the largest hardware and haberdashers in the State.
https://papermoneyofmexico.com/index.php/history/yucatan/private-issues-1
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1857134-022
| Mexico, L. Gutierrez
5 Pesos | Mexico | 64 |
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| Mexico: Nacional Monte de Piedad |
The Nacional Monte de Piedad was founded in 1775 by Pedro Romero de Terreros, it received authorisation to issue certificates of deposit in 1779, and then in 1881 also issued 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 pesos notes for circulation which all feature a portrait of Terreros on the front and an image of the main building occupied by the business in Mexico City. Unfortunately, the following year saw the start of an economic crisis in Mexico and this coupled with poor decisions by the Directors culminated in the Nacional Monte de Piedad being unable to redeem the notes in circulation. In 1884 the newly established Banco Nacional de Mexico was able to redeem these notes albeit at only 80% of the face value. As a result the notes still in existence tend to be remainders with or without the counterfoil, although an issued 1 or 5 pesos note appears occasionaly.
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2084886-084
| Mexico, Nacional Monte de Piedad
1000 Pesos | Mexico | 64 EPQ |
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| Nicaragua: Bano Agricola-Mercantil |
The Banco Agricola-Mercantil issued notes in 1888 to 1890 of 50 centavos, 1, 5, 25, 50 and 100 pesos. Issued notes are very rare although Specimens and Proofs do appear. Remainders are also known for the 1 and 100 pesos notes with the former being the note included in this set. When General José Santos Zelaya seized power in 1893 the few private banks in Nicaragua ceased operations with new currency issued by Tesoreria General in 1896.
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2088684-004
| Nicaragua, Banco Agricola-Mercantil
1 Peso - Printer: ABNC | Nicaragua | VF 35 |
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| Paraguay: Argentine Occupation 1870 |
The land-locked Paraguay, having long-standing disputes with its much larger neighbours over trade, taxes and territory, became involved in a similar situation between Brazil and Uruguay resulting in the declaration of war in 1864. This prompted Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay to join forces against Paraguay resulting in the bloodiest war in the history of Latin American with more than half of the total population lost and more than 90% of the men. The war ended in 1870, and these notes were issued by the occupying forces during this period to facilitate trade, as parts of Paraguay were annexed by Brazil and Argentina. At this point Paraguay could have been consigned to history, however, it managed to survive as a country although the effects of the war are still evident today.
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1855026-054
| Paraguay / Argentine Occupation
50 Centimos | Paraguay | 64 EPQ |
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| Peru: Banco de Arequipa |
The Banco de Arequipa was operating in Peru during the 1870’s and issued fractional notes of 20 and 40 centavos alongside 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 soles. Most of these notes had a central vignette of a lady, representing Peru?, leaning on a safe suggesting commerce. There is also the Coat of Arms for Peru and the lady is holding a sickle highlighting the importance of sugar cane as a commodity crop for the region, reinforced by the workers harvesting the crop on her right. On the left is train, typically representing modernity and trade. The bank seems to have ceased operations ~1876 as most denominations are found as remainders, possibly as a result in commodity prices changes (e.g. guano) and the resulting War of the Pacific.
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1166980-006
| Peru, Banco de Arequipa
40 Centavos - Printer: CNBB | Peru | 66 EPQ |
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| Suriname: Zilverbon |
One of the results of the Netherlands being invaded by Germany during World War II was that the Dutch colonies no longer had their usual supply of currency. In addition, as is common during periods of conflict, the population hoarded things of value and the silver content of coins made them an easy store of wealth. The consequence of this was a dramatic decrease in the circulating coinage within Suriname, which had a serious impact on trade and day-to-day transactions. The solution, the same as used during World War I, was to issue silver certificates which could be redeemed for coin at a later date. These were printed outside of Europe, initially with half and one gulden values and there use continued after the War with the larger 2½ Gulden being added.
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1907354-108
| 1 Gulden 1942 | Suriname | 63 |
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| Suriname: Muntbiljet |
The post World War II period saw many international boundaries redrawn and lands of the European Colonial Powers seeking independence. Suriname became a self-governing part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1954 prior to achieving full independence in 1975. Prior to the formation of the Central Bank of Suriname was established in 1957 and began to issue its own currency, initially just as the higher denominations 5 to 1000 Gulden. These circulated alongside the lower value notes (1 and 2½ Gulden) issued by the Dutch Administration (Muntbiljet) until 1986.
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2126974-063
| 1 Gulden 1974-79 - Printer: JEZ | Suriname | 68 EPQ |
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| Suriname: Centrale Bank van Suriname |
1957 saw the first currency issued by the Centrale Bank van Suriname following the introduction of self government in 1954, followed by independence from the Netherlands in 1975. The Gulden was retained as the currency until 2004 when the Surinamese dollar was introduced following a period of hyperinflation starting in the early 1990’s. This change stabilised the economy for a few years however high inflation returned causing a 90% devaluation of the currency in 2020 and it is hoped that recent oil discoveries will bring much needed prosperity, and stability, to the region.
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2036269-010
| Suriname, Centrale Bank
25,000 Gulden - Printer: TDLR | Suriname | 66 EPQ |
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| Uruguay: Banco Italiano de Uruguay |
A number of banks demonstrate the importance of the European influence in the region with Italian investment and business playing a role through Banco Italiano (1867), Banco Italiano de Uruguay (1887) and Banco Italo Oriental (1889). The notes from the Banco Italiano de Uruguay are the most common and this institution was established in Montevideo and issued 10 and 100 pesos notes dated 1887 (S212 and S214). Issued notes are rare and typically cancelled, fortunately, remainders for both denominations are much more common and readily available (S212r and S215 – why not S214r?) with an example of the 100 pesos included here.
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2085122-002
| Uruguay, Banco Italiano
100 Pesos - Montevideo | Uruguay | 64 |
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| Uruguay: Banco Central del Uruguay |
The Banco Central del Uruguay was established in 1967 with the first provisional issue using overprinted notes from the previous Republica Oriental del Uruguay issue. Production of new notes of 50 to 10000 pesos followed which had the Banco Central del Uruguay title. A design change in 1974 was short-lived with a devaluation in 1975 (1 neuvo peso = 1000 pesos) resulting in overprinted 1974 notes with the regular issues again following the same year. Uncontrolled inflation saw the issue of much higher denominations 2000 to 500,000 neuvo pesos in 1989-1992 which resulted in further currency reform and the introduction of the Peso Uruguayo (=1000 neuvo pesos) in 1993 which is still in use today. The example included in this set is P46a the 50 pesos note from the first Banco Central issue in 1967.
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1858429-080
| Uruguay, Banco Central
50 Pesos | Uruguay | 68 EPQ |
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| Venezuela: Banco Central de Venezuela |
The Banco Central de Venezuela started issuing notes in 1940 in multiples of the Bolivar, named after Simon Bolivar, the hero of independence for many Latin American countries. After many years of high inflation 2008 finally saw devaluation of the currency (1:1000) and the Bolivar Fuerte was introduced. The government still failed to control inflation resulting in another, more dramatic, devaluation and another new currency in 2018 – the Bolivar Soberano at 1:100,000. A mere three years later and 2021 saw the Bolivar Digital take over as the Venezuelan currency under even more extreme circumstances of 1: 100,000,000,000,000! As a result the US dollar now tends to be used for transactions.
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2075103-024
| Venezuela, Banco Central
20,000 Bol?vares - Wmk: S. Bol?var & BCV | Venezuela | 68 EPQ |
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