This Guinea-Bissau banknote represents the 4th denomination of the Guinea-Bissau Peso (Series 1990). The now obsolete Peso circulated from 1975 to 1997, replacing the colonial Portuguese Guinean Escudo at par (1:1). The Peso circulated in 3 separate series, issued in 1975, 1983, and 1990. The final 2 series share a similar design, although differ in their color-coding.
In 1997, the Guinea-Bissau Peso was replaced by the West African CFA Franc. The exchange rate was 65 Peso to 1 Franc. While the Franc has since remained the currency of Guinea-Bissau Peso. In 2019, a CFA Franc replacement called the Eco was proposed. (This note will be reviewed reverse first)
Reverse
The reverse features the painting “Apoteose ao Triunfo” (Glorification of Triumph). This colorful painting is a metaphor for independence and abundance. Musical instruments and food of various types can be seen everywhere. A strong standing man wields an arade, a traditional farming tool. In the background the ancestral sprits can be seen rejoicing.
The header reads, the (trans.) "Central Bank of Guinea-Bissau. On the notes corners are number "1000"s representing the note's value. Below the standing man is the text "Mil Pesos", repeating the note's 1,000 Peso value. Nearby is a counterfeit warning, it reads (trans.) "The law punishes the counterfeiter".
Moving toward the right, is the note's watermark area. Backlighting the note will expose a watermark of Amílcar Cabral. Further to the right is a pair of registration element positives. In the form of a flame and rain stick. Exposing the reverse to ultraviolet (UV) light, will cause these elements to glow bright yellow. Doing so will also expose a hidden security thread.
The security thread aligns with the letter "B", on the word "Bissau" (header).
Observe
The observe features a portrait of revolutionary Amílcar Lopes Cabral (1924-1973). He wears the traditional sumbia, in West Africa it's a symbol of a wise elder. Amílcar Cabral speeches played a key role, in Guinea-Bissau gaining independence from Portugal. He was assassinated on 20 January 1973, eight months before Guinea-Bissau declare independence.
The header reads, the (trans.) "Central Bank of Guinea-Bissau. Moving toward the note's center, it's "Thousand Pesos" value is listed. Below it is the note's "1 March 1993" print date and a pair of signatures. These signatures represent the Bank Governor and Vice Governor. To the left is an illustration of a man weaving on a loom. There is a "wood carving" security stamp above him.
The note's upper-left, upper-right, and lower-left corners feature number "1000"s. The exception being the Guinea-Bissau Coat of Arms, on the lower-right. The lower-left corner is particularly important, featuring multiple details. Including the beforementioned "flame" registration element and one of the note's dual serial numbers (DD753851). The second number tapered and below the header.
As previously mentioned, backlight the note will complete the "flame". Although it will also complete the unfinished rain stick above it. The center line on the observe rain stick, aligns the beginning of the second reverse rain stick. Causing the the two to overlap, at their half-way mark.
Exposing the observe with UV light will cause the note to glow blue. While other sections will glow bright yellow, with the possible exception of the serial numbers. As their ink tends to fade faster, than the elements. All corners feature a hidden "Mil", translated as One Thousand. While at the center, the guilloché backing and security stamp will also glow.
Ultraviolet Gallery
Guinea-Bissau Peso Gallery
(Gallery contains all banknotes of the 1990 Guinea-Bissau Peso)
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 148 x 63 mm or 5.83 x 2.48 in, smaller than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are standard size protective sleeves.
The Paraguayan Guaraní ISO code is PGY, it uses ₲ as its official symbol.
In theory, the Guaraní is subdivided into 100 Céntimos, modern coins are in Guaraní values.
The CFA is a French institution which provides monetary services for France's former African colonies, via the French treasury.
The West African CFA Franc is the currency of 8 nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.
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