...Guatemala - 100 Quetzales 2025 Commemorative Central Bank 80th Anniversary 1945-2025

Republica de Guatemala

(Republic of Guatemala)

Banco de Guatemala

(Bank of Guatemala, Est. 1945)

Currency - Quetzal (GTQ)

 

Posted below is a 100 quetzales commemorative note released on 25th May 2026, celebrating the country's central bank 80th anniversary. Banco de Guatemala was established in 1945 and is located in the capital city of Guatemala city. In addition to the central bank, this note also celebrates the 350th anniversary of the University of San Carlos de Borromeo.

The designs for this new commemorative note is similar to the current circulating 100 quetzales as it retains the portrait of Francisco Marroquin Hurtado on the front and the University of San Carlos de Borromeo on the back but the designs are not the same. Alos the colours are not the same either. The new commemorative note is predominantly printed in a much darker brownish colour on both front and back.

 

One Hundred Quetzales

Front - Portrait of Bishop Francisco Marroquin Hurtado (1478-1563). Bishop of Santiago de Guatemala from 1534 to 1563. Born in Spain and went to Guatemala via Mexico in 1528. In 1559, he founded the School of Saint Thomas (now University of San Carlos of Guatemala). A flying quetzal bird, which is much smaller than the one printed on the current circulating 100 quetzales note. The national flag is also printed on the note as a security register feature.

Signatures:-

Gerente General - Lienciado Jorge Vinicio Caceres Davila (since 2023)

Presidente - Alvaro Gonzalez Ricci (since 2022)

Date - Aprobación 8 de Octubre de 2025 (Approval 8th October 2025)

Watermark - Indio de Nahuala and electrotype 100

Quantity - 15 million notes

Sizes - 156.5mm x  67mm

Back - A window view of the courtyard of the University of San Carlos de Borromeo in Antigua. The courtyard features a flower bed, a fountain, and pillars of the university. The town Antigua is located in the central highlands within the Sacatepequez Department, about 40 kilometers west of Guatemala City. Antigua has a small urban population of approximately 60,000 people.

...Falkland Islands - 50 Pence Dated 1969 And 1974

Falkland Islands

(British Overseas Territory)

Falkland Islands Commissioners of Currency

Currency - Pound (FKP) 

 

Recently I acquired the fifty pence bearing the signature of Harold Theodore Rowlands. This note is dated 20.02.1974 and I have re-posted the other 50 pence here dated 05.09.1969 bearing the signature of Leslie Charles Gleadell. 

The Falkland Islands have been a self-governing British Overseas territory since 2009, with the British government responsible for its foreign affairs and defense of the islands. 

As mentioned above, the two notes posed here bearing the two signatures of:-

Leslie Charles Gleadell (b.14.01.1921-13.06.2009)

Harold Theodore Rowlands (b.11.07.1931-17.04.2004)

These are the only two 50 pence notes issued since converted to the decimal currency system in 1971. The previous notes were issued with the face value of ten shillings. These two notes were circulated together with the £1, £5 and £10, with some of these notes issued prior to 1971.

Whilst my sites are all about banknotes collection, I personally sometimes find the signatures behind these notes are just as interesting as the note itself. Both notes are signed under their position as the  Commissioner of Currency. 

 

Leslie Charles Gleadell 

Leslie Gleadell was the third generation Falklander, originally descended from a Lincolnshire family in England. During his time as a civil servant in the Falkland Islands, he also briefly served as the acting Governor of the Falkland Islands from September 1966 to October 1966. Whilst he was the acting Governor, he faced a challenging task when a flight from Aerolineas Argentinas was hijacked while en route from Buenos Aires to Rio Gallegos in Argentina. The flight was then redirected by the hijackers and the plane landed in the Falkland Islands. After two days of negotiation, the hijackers surrendered on condition that they will be returned to Argentina to stand trial as they do not recognise the British rules on the island. Despite the peaceful end of the hijack, the Argentina press had not forgotten him and pursued him while he travelled to Uruguay for medical treatment. A few years later whilst representing Falkland Islands in a trade delegation to South Argentina, a warrant was issued for his arrest, which forced him to return to Falkland Islands via Chile. Fearing for his family, Leslie Gleadell and his family emigrated to Auckland New Zealand and worked as an Accountant. He retired in the 1980s, and died in 2009.  

 

Front - The bust (head) of Queen Elizabeth the Second facing left. On the note, it is printed with the heading of THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS. The signature on this note bearing the signature of Leslie Charles Gleadell (b.14.01.1921-13.06.2009). 

 

Back - Guilloche patterns 

Printer - Thos De La Rue & Co Ltd LONDON

Sizes - 146mm x 92.5mm 

 

Harold Theodore Rowlands

Harold Theodore Rowlands, with only basic education, joined the Falkland Islands government service in 1948 as a boy, reached the rank of Financial Secretary in 1972 and retired in 1998. A lifelong stalwart of the administration of the Falkland Islands, he died in the house overlooking Stanley Harbour where he had been born. During Argentina's invasion in April 1982, he was the most senior administrator left on the island, after the Argentinians deported Governor Rex Hunt, First Secretary Michael Growcott and Chief Secretary Dick Baker. During the brief occupations by the Argentinians, he constantly find excuses not to cooperate with the invasion forces, and the Argentinians nick-named him Beethoven because of his heavy blonde hair and he also resemblance to the famous German Composer. Harold Rowlands's grandfather was Swedish born. Harold Rowlands was never married and died at the age of 72.  

...Honduras - 200 Lempiras Dated 9 De Noviembre De 2023 Commemorative

Republica De Honduras

(Republic of Honduras)

 

Banco Central De Honduras

(Central Bank of Honduras)

Currency - Lempira (HNL)

 

This is a 200 lempiras released on 20.01.2026. The planning and printing of this note was first announced on 23.08.2023. A total of 20 million pieces were printed by Crane Currency in Malta. On 12.03.2026, the government of Honduras instructed all banks to cease distributing this note to the public for circulation. This note barely lasted 51 days and for those notes that have been released since January 2026 are still legal tender and no doubt any circulated notes returned back to the bank will not be reissued to the public again. Initially I had no intention to get this note until I saw this news. 

This note was issued to honor Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores, a leader in the field of Ecology. This is also the first time a female portrait is featured on a Honduras banknote, even though it did not last that long. This note should be treated as a commemorative note and as such I have also posted this same note to my Commemorative Banknotes section.

I believe this is how the story goes: -

2022 - the governing party in Honduras was the Liberty and Refoundation Party (left-wing party) headed by President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, the first female president of Honduras. Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento took office on 27.01.2022 and her single term ended on 27.01.2026. 

2023 - The intention of issuing this note was announced on 23.08.2023 by the central bank.

2026 - This note was officially released on 20.01.2026. The President of Honduras is elected by a simple majority vote to serve a single four-year term. The term begins on January 27th following the election and the country's constitution prohibits reelection.

2026 - On 27.01.2026, Nasry Juan Asfura Zablah became the President of Honduras and he is from the National Party of Honduras. The National Party of Honduras is a right-wing party. It is believed that because of Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores's activities during her lifetime, the current right-wing Honduras government is not a fan of what she did then and decided to cease issuing this note, thus the withdrawal was made on 12.03.2026. 

It is not sure what will happen to the rest of the unissued banknotes. Will they just leave them in the bank's vaults for storage or just simply destroy them all. if that happens, it would be a waste! What I do not understand is that the announcement for printing this note was made in April 2024, and only released a few days before the previous President's term ended. Why is it taking so long? What's the delay?

If you enjoy collecting banknotes that specifically come with an interesting story, like me, then this is one note you should be getting. This note is not rare and there are plenty to offer at the moment. All you have to do is to look for one that offers you the best price.  

 

Two Hundred Lempiras

Front - The front of the note depicts a portrait of Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores (b.1971-2016). Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores was an environmental activist and indigenous leader. She belonged to the Lenca indigenous people. In Honduras, the Lenca are the largest tribal group, with an estimated population of more than 450,000. During her lifetime, she defended many local native habitats, stopped the building of a dam at Rio Gualcarque. For many years, she received numerous threats against her life and on 02.03.2016, she was shot by two armed intruders at her home and died the following day. It is believed that her assassination was carried out by right-wing groups and possibly with foreign aid or assistance who were against her environmental activities. Several people were arrested after assassination, some of them were linked to the US-trained elite military troops and had trained in the USA. In November 2018, seven people were found guilty and sentenced to prison for her murder.

Signatures

Presidente/President (Central Bank) - Rebeca Patricia Santos

Gerente/Manager - Avila

Secretaria De Finanzas/Secretary of Finance - Ochoa 

Date - 9 De Noviembre De 2023 (released on 20.01.2026)

Quantity - 20,000,000 pieces 

Watermark - Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores and electrotype BCH

Sizes - 156mm x 67mm

Back - An aerial view of La Esperanza, a city located on the western side of Honduras. This city is about 3 hours and 30 minutes drive from the capital city of Tegucigalpa. This is also the city where Bertha Isabel Caceres Flores was born (home town). On the back, the note is also printed with the following text in Spanish: -

¡Despertemos humanidad!

¡Ya no hay tiempo!

 (Wake up humanity!

 There is no more times!)

To the center right is the Coat of Arms of Honduras.

...Mexico - 100 Pesos Polymer Set Of Five Notes Dated 06 January 2021

Estados Unidos Mexicanos

(United Mexican States)

Banco de Mexico

(Bank of Mexico)

Currency : Peso (MXN)

 

Posted below are the five notes of 100 pesos all printed with the date of 06.01.2021. This is the third issue of the historical identity and natural heritage series. This series was first introduced with the notes printed with the date of 08.05.2020. The second prints are all printed with the date of 31.08.2020, which I do not have.

 

Like all previous banknotes issued, the five notes posted here all have different signatures. 

 

Jonathan Heath Constable & Alejandro Alegre Rabiela;

Galia Borja Gomez & Alejandro Alegre Rabiela;

Alejandro Diaz de Leon Carillo & Alejandro Alegre Rabiela;

Gerardo Esquivel Hernandez & Alejandro Alegre Rabiela; and

Irene Espinosa Cantellano & Alejandro Alegre Rabiela.

 

One Hundred Pesos

 

Front - Juana Inés de la Cruz (b.1648-1695). Her birth name was Dona Ines de Asbaje y Ramirez de Santillana. During her lifetime, she was a nun, a writer, poet and a musician composer too. Image of Patio of the "Antiguo Colegio" San Ildefonso. This building is now used as a museum and cultural center in Mexico City. Originally it was established in 1588 as a Jesuit boarding school. This was dissolved in 1978 and turned it into a museum since then. 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

Junta De Gobierno - Jonathan Heath Constable

Cajero Principal - Alejandro Alegre Rabiela

Dimensions - 132mm x 65mm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

Junta De GobiernoAlejandro Diaz de Leon Carillo

Cajero Principal - Alejandro Alegre Rabiela

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

Junta De Gobierno- Gerardo Esquivel Hernandez

Cajero Principal - Alejandro Alegre Rabiela

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature

Junta De Gobierno - Irene Espinosa Cantellano

Cajero Principal - Alejandro Alegre Rabiela

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back - rain forest with Monarch butterflies flying around.

...Bolivia - No Value 200th Year of Independence 1825-2025

State of Bolivia

Banco Central De Bolivia

(Central Bank of Bolivia

Currency - Boliviano (BOB)

This is a commemorative polymer note (no value) released in early August 2025 celebrating the country's 200 years of independence 1825-2025. Whilst this is a commemorative note issued by Banco Central De Bolivia, it has no value printed on it and as such is not a legal tender banknote. 

The struggle of independence for Bolivia first started in 1809, and since then the country went through many revolutions and were all defeated by the Spanish army, until 1825 when Antonia Jose de Sucre and Simon Bolivar both defeated the Spanish army. Independence was declared on 6 August 1825. 

Whilst this is a commemorative polymer note issued by the central bank, it has no value printed on the note. This note was presented to the public on 4 August 2025 and is sold at 50 bolivianos per note. A total of 1.0 million pieces have been issued. I am not sure what is the purpose of printing this with no actual value on it. At least the central bank could have just printed a nominal value of say 1 or 10 bolivianos and you will not see anyone try to transact this note commercially at a loss. A piece of plastic sheet (banknote) with no face value is less attractive to many collectors, in my opinion.

 

No Value Numismatic product

Front - On the front, the note depicts the following heroes of Latin America.

Front row (L-R)

Alejo Calatayud (b.1705-1731) - A Mestizo silversmith from Oropesa Cochabamba province who led a violent rebellion and became a local hero amongst the plebeian masses of the province. - 

 

Juana Azurduy De Padilla (b.1780-1862) - She was a guerrilla military leader from Chuquisaca, Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. She and her husband, Manuel Ascencio Padilla fought for Bolivian and Argentine independence, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

 

Antonio Jose de Sucre y Alcala (b.1795-1830) - Also known as the "Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho", was a Venezuelan general and politician who served as the president of Bolivia from 1825 to 1828. He served as the 2nd President of Bolivia from 1825 to 1828.

Back row (L-R) 

Jose Manuel Baca Canoto (b.1790-1854) - A Bolivian poet, musician. composer, and soldier who played a significant role in the South American wars of independence. His portrait also appears in the Bolivia currency. 

 

Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) - Full name Simon Jose Antonio de la Santisima Trinidad Bolivar y Palacios. He was a famous freedom fighter in South America and is famous in countries like Colombo, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia, of course.

 

Bartolina Sisi (b.1750-1782) - An Aymara indigenous leader who led a 40,000-strong army alongside her husband, Tupac Katari (below), against Spanish colonial rule in Bolivia. She was a military commander in the 1781 siege of La Paz. She was captured and executed by the Spanish on 05.09.1782. 

 

Tupak Katari (b.1750-1781) - An Aymara who started a major rebellion against Spanish rule in Upper Peru. The rebellion failed and he was executed by the Spanish.

 

Eustaquio Mendez El Moto Mendez (b.1784-1849) - A military commander and guerrilla leader in the South American wars of independence against the Spanish rule. 

 

Signatures

Presidente a.i. BCB - Roger Wdwin Rojas Ulo

Gerente General BCB - Ruben Gonzalo Ticona Chique

Date - 2025

Sizes - 150.5mm x 70mm  

Back - On the back, it depicts the Casa de la Libertad in Sucre and the Toborochi tree.