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The Thirty-Three Orientals: 5,000 Nuevos Pesos (Uruguay, 1985)-Article

Updated: Apr 27

This colorful Uruguayan banknote represents the 5th denomination of the Nuevos Pesos (Series 1975). The 5,000 Nuevo Peso note was printed from 1983-1987 and remained in circulation until 1993. In 1993, a 5 Pesos Uruguayo (Uruguayan Peso) note was introduced. The 5 Uruguayan Peso note reused the design of its 5,000 Nuevo Peso predecessor, with the exception of denomination.


The Nuevo Peso (New Peso) was first introduced, in 1975. As a replacement for the hyperinflated (Old) Peso. The first Nuevo Peso notes were represented by provisional overprinted notes. These provisional notes can be identified by their "stamp", stating their new value.


Provisional Nuevo Peso notes were revalued to 1/1,000th of their original (Old) Peso denomination. With the exception the introduction of provisional notes. A similar 1,000-to-1 revaluation scheme was undertaken, during the transition between the New Peso and now current Uruguayan Peso.


Observe

The observe features a portrait of Brigadier General Juan Antonio Lavalleja (1784-1853), leader of the “Thirty-Three Orientals” movement. As verified by the title above his left epaulette. The observe's color scheme is primarily a red and blue, making it quite eye-catching. As is much of Uruguayan banknotes in general.


Below General Lavalleja is the text, "BANCO CENTRAL DEL URUGUAY". Declaring the note's issuer, the Central Bank of Uruguay. Slightly off-set left of center is a banner with the text, "NUEVOS PESOS CINCO MIL MONAEDA NACIONAL". Which roughly translates to, New Pesos-Five Thousand-National Currency. The note is state twice as a "Serie B" (series), once at lower left of the banner. And once more, to the right of General Lavalleja's head.


Above the banner is a large cyan blue Uruguayan Coat of Arms. To the coat of arms left and far right value titles. They are expressed as "N$ 5000", each lays on a guilloché pattern background. There is n additional value title, on the lower left corner. Although this instance is instead located above the guilloché pattern. There is a final value title located on the lower right corner.


Below the before mentioned banner are 3 signatures. These include the Central Bank of Uruguay's Gerente General/General Manager (Jorge Sambarino), Presidente/President (Ricardo Pascal) and Secretario General/General Secretary (Juan César Pacchiotti). Alternatively some notes will feature the signature of José María Puppo, then serving as Bank President.


The note's printer is listed along the far left, in vertical text. The text reads " Thomas De La Rue And Company Limited". This made more apparent by the note's having many of De La Rue's aesthetics. Such as the note's underprint, which has similarities to the De La Rue's Peruvian Sol De Oro series. Another De La Rue hallmark is their elaborate line patterns, seen behind the note's main art. These spaced lines are formed by precise mechanical lathing. Their sharp sudden turns and overlapping patterns, function as a passive security measure.

Reverse

The reverse features the painting “Jura De La Constitucion 1930”, Constitutional Oath, 1930. Unusual for most banknotes, its art is depicted in full vibrant color. This famous Carlos Ramón Masini (1873-1939) painting celebrates the adoption of the first Uruguayan constitution, on July 18, 1830. Which was heavily inspired by the constitutional successes made by French and American revolutionaries.


Below, along the note's footer is the text "N$ 5000 BANCO CENTRAL DEL URUGUAY N$ 5000".

Reaffirming the note's issue by the "Central Bank of Uruguay" and "5,000 New Peso" value. Which is further repeated near the reverse's upper right and left corners. Each lays on a rectangle-shaped guilloché pattern background.


To the right of the reverse's main art is the note's watermark area. The watermark features a portrait of Uruguayan national hero, José Gervasio Artigas (1764-1850). Although partially visible from the observe side, it's considerably more visible from the reverse. Featuring a square window, overlaid with quarter-circle guilloché patterned corners. As opposed to the observe, which features an irregular-shaped window. As a passive security measure, the observe window features gently tapering diagonal lines. Which are clearly visible under standard white light.


To the left of the main art is text, it reads "18 DE JULIO 1830-1980 SESQUICENTENARIO DE LA JURA DE LA CONSTITUCION". This roughly translates to "18th of July 1830-1980, 150th Anniversary of the Pledge to the Constitution". The text breaks up a large guilloché patterned quarter-circle, revealing the underprint below.


Further to the left is a large quill, representing the quill the 1830 constitution was signed. This "quill" forms a positive of a registration element/light puzzle. The observe negative only utilizes the quills tip, it can be seen above General Lavalleja's left epaulette. Emerging from a group of overlapping line patterns. Its white outline and gray central spine are relatively visible. The before mentioned quill and line pattern utilize ultraviolet sensitive ink and shine a florescent green. (SEE: Ultraviolet Gallery)


The Thirty-Three Orientals

The Treinta y Tres Orientales (Thirty-Three Orientals) was a revolutionary group led by Generals Juan Antonio Lavalleja (1784-1853) and Manuel Oribe (1792-1857). Formed in 1825, the Thirty-Three Orientals led a successful independence movement, against the Empire of Brazil (1822-1889). Creating a sovereign nation in Banda Oriental (Oriental Providence), now modern day Uruguay and the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul (Great River of the South).


The revolution was a consequence of invasion of Oriental Providence (1816-1820) by United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves. An unsuccessful resistance was staged by José Gervasio Artigas (SEE: Watermark). Eventually ending with his self-exile to Uruguay, in 1920. In February 1824, Oriental Providence was annexed by newly created Empire of Brazil. Under the name of Cisplatina Province, it's name under the previous Portuguese administration.


General Juan Antonio Lavalleja began initial organization of a military expedition, with the assistance of unhappy cattle ranchers. Juan Manuel de Rosas (1793-1877), an experienced military officer and member of a wealthy landowning family. Became a significant supporter of the Thirty-Three Orientals movement, in both wealth and manpower.


While born wealthy, Juan Manuel de Rosas was a well known caudillo (regional strongman). Who independently amassed large tracts of land and wealth, enlisting a private militia of gauchos (cowboys). Known for their reputation for bravery, resourcefulness and willingness to fight. These rugged gaucho soldiers provided a significant role in the revolution.


On the 1 April 1825, Manuel Oribe lead the opening phase of the revolution. Sailing with a small group from the port of San Isidro, landing on Brazo Largo island, on the Paraná River. Due to bad weather, the remainder of the revolution's forces were unable to cross, until 15 April 1825.


Under the cover of nightfall (18 April 1825), General Lavalleja led forces across the Paraná Delta. Carefully hiding amongst the islands, while evading the Brazilian flotilla. On 19 April 1825, General Lavalleja crossed the Río Uruguay (Uruguay River). Upon landing on Agraciada Beach a flag was planted, the "Flag of Thirty-Three Orientals".


Word of General Lavalleja's expedition, quickly spread amongst rural farmers and ranchers. Reaching the Uruguayan capital (Montevideo), by 20 April 1825. Motivated by the popular revolution, the village of La Florida created a provisional government and held elections, on 14 June 1825. Known as the Florida Assembly, the assembly convened to rewrite the laws of Oriental Province.


On 25 August 1825, the assembly declared the independence from the Brazilian Empire. In addition to the its allegiance to the United Provinces of Río de la Plata (modern day Argentina). Which previously staged an unsuccessful 1822-1823 revolution. The call of allegiance was formally recognized by the United Provinces, on 24 October 1825.


This formal recognition was seen as a provocative act by the Empire of Brazil. Leading to the declaration of the Cisplatine War (1825-1828), on 10 December 1825. The war ended on 27 August 1828, after negotiations by British diplomat John Ponsonby, 1st Viscount Ponsonby. Under the Treaty of Montevideo (1828), Uruguay was established as an independent nation.


“Jura De La Constitucion 1930”

Watermark

Ultraviolet Gallery

 

Additional Notes

  • The note's dimensions are 159 mm × 74 mm or 6.26 in × 2.91 in.

  • It's advisable to use a large note protector/sleeve, when preserving this note.

  • Series A and B notes have a 7 digit serial number, beginning in "8".

  • Series A and B replacement notes have a 8 digit serial number, beginning in "9".

  • Series C notes have a 8 digit serial number, beginning in "0".

  • Series C replacement notes have a 8 digit serial number, beginning in "9".

  • Uruguay's Lavalleja Department is named in honor of General Juan Antonio Lavalleja.

  • General Manuel Oribe served as 2nd Constitutional President of Uruguay (1835-1838).

  • José Gervasio Artigas is known as ""the father of Uruguayan nationhood".

  • Juan Manuel de Rosas served as the 17th Governor of Buenos Aires Province.

  • Juan de Rosas became dictator of Argentina and overthrown in the Platine War (1851-1822)

  • Juan de Rosas was exiled and live as a tenant famer in Southampton, Great Britain.

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