This Nicaraguan banknote represents the 4th denomination of the First Cordoba (Series F, 1984). The Series F was preceded by Series E. Which was introduced in 1979. After the FSLN (Sandinistas) overthrew the Somoza regime. Notably these post-Somoza notes features a less classical modernist design. Although continued to use color coding in their design.
Additionally some notes of the Series F were reissued as the First Córdoba Overprint (Series 1987). These notes feature stamps, which revalue the note's original face value. They served as an emergency measure, against rampant inflation. They were replaced by the short-lived Second Cordoba.
Observe
The observe features a portrait of General José Dolores Estrada (1792-1869). General Estrada is regarded as a national, for defeating William Walker's Filibuster Army, at the Battle of San Jacinto (1856). In remembrance of the victory, the 14 September has been declared a state holiday. A watermark of Augusto Sandino appears opposite of the portrait.
The note's header reads the (trans.) "Central Bank of Nicaragua", it rests above intricate "line" patterns. Below is the note's serial number "11793550". Notably this header serial number is the first of a dual-serial. The second serial number being located on the note's footer, on the lower right. Below is is a reference to the note's printer, "Thomas De La Rue And Company Limited".
Moving towards the note's center, its Spanish text reads (trans), "100 Hundred Cordobas". It rests on overlapping guilloché patterns. Notably this denomination was not reissued as a First Córdoba Overprint note. Those notes feature a overprinted stamp, at their center. Which begins slightly above this note's "1985" print date.
Additional number "100"s can be seen on the note's corners, resting on decorative guilloché backings. These numbers are stamped over on the before mentioned 50,000 Cordoba note. These stamps feature "BCN", representing the (trans.) "Central Bank of Nicaragua".
Moving to the footer, there are 3 separate signatures. They are the "Minister of Finance", the "Central Bank President", and "Central Bank Vice President". If one closely inspects the footer they will notice microprint. In addition to the footer's "file" pattern, is the underprint's "diamonded" pattern. The watermark area also features microprint, in the form of angled lines.
Reverse
The reverse depicts a Sacuanjoche, the national flower of Nicaragua. The Sacuanjoche has rich symbolic history in Central America and beyond. In the Maya tradition the flowers represented life and fertility. Sacuanjoche were also grown in the gardens of Aztec nobles. They have since been integrated into Hindu and Buddhists beliefs. Such as protection against evil, during funeral rites.
Just as observe the header reads the "Central Bank of Nicaragua". Below is a pair of patterns, similar to the observe. These complementary patterns form the note's registration element. Each side has a unprinted negative and printed positive. When placed over bright light, each side's positive fill these gaps, completing the light puzzle effect.
At the notes center is a note's center is a large number "100". Below is the text (trans.) "Hundred Cordobas". Additional "100"s are located at the notes corners. All which lay on elaborate decorative guilloché backings, which form odd spiral loops..
Additional Notes
This note size is 155 x 74 mm or 6.10 x 2.56 in, slightly thinner than a US Dollar.
The preferred method to preserve this note are standard size protective sleeves.
The First Cordoba ISO 4217 code was NIO, it uses C$ as its official symbol.
The Second Cordoba was the only Cordoba variant to use a different ISO code.
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