100 pesos 1959

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales of this note across multiple condition grades from 2009 to 2021, with UNC examples regularly selling in the $6.99–$8.99 range. The 2016 catalog valuation of $15 for UNC condition and the regular appearance of examples on the secondary market indicate a substantial surviving population. This note was part of a standard currency issue by the Banco Nacional de Cuba and was printed in sufficient quantities to satisfy normal circulation demands, resulting in common availability today despite its now-historical significance.

Issued in 1959 by the Banco Nacional de Cuba during a pivotal year of political transition following the Cuban Revolution, this note represents the early post-Batista monetary authority. The inclusion of the Cuban national coat of arms featuring the palm tree, fortress, and star reflects national sovereignty and identity during this transformative period. The backing guarantee statement—guaranteeing the note with gold, foreign currency, and Cuban state assets—represents the bank's assertion of monetary stability during a period of significant economic and political upheaval.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Francisco Aguilera (identified as 'F. Aguilera' in catalog data), depicted as a bearded gentleman facing forward in formal attire, positioned centrally within an oval ornamental frame. The portrait is surrounded by classical laurel wreaths on both sides and elaborate scrollwork in the corners. The background consists of a salmon/pink colored underprint with extensive gray filigree patterns and decorative scrollwork that serve as anti-counterfeiting measures. The reverse displays Cuba's national coat of arms at center—featuring a shield with a palm tree, fortification, and star, crowned with a royal corona—rendered in the center of an oval frame against a predominantly red background with white linear wavy patterns and filigree designs. Both sides feature the denomination '100' prominently displayed in corner medallions, reinforcing the note's value.

FRONT: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE CUBA' (National Bank of Cuba) / '100' and 'CIEN PESOS' (100 Pesos) / 'SERIE DE 1959' (Series of 1959) / Serial number 'B655815A' / 'PRESIDENTE DEL BANCO' (President of the Bank) / 'MINISTRO DE HACIENDA' (Minister of Treasury) / 'GARANTIZADO INTEGRAMENTE CON EL ORO, CAMBIO EXTRANJERO Y OTROS ACTIVOS DEL BANCO NACIONAL DE CUBA. ESTE BILLETE CONSTITUYE UNA OBLIGACION DEL ESTADO CUBANO.' (Fully guaranteed with gold, foreign currency and other assets of the National Bank of Cuba. This banknote constitutes an obligation of the Cuban State.) / 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution). BACK: 'REPUBLICA DE CUBA' (Republic of Cuba) / '100 CIEN PESOS' (100 Pesos) / 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution).

This note was produced using intaglio printing (engraved banknote printing) by the American Bank Note Company of New York, the preeminent security printer of the era. The intricate filigree patterns, fine line work, ornate scrollwork, and complex background designs visible throughout both sides are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. The precision of the portrait rendering, the delicate decorative elements, and the multiple color registration (pink/salmon and gray on the obverse; red and white on the reverse) indicate sophisticated multi-plate engraving and printing processes typical of ABNC's premium banknote production standards.

This specific example bears the serial number 'B655815A', indicating the 'B' series variety. The 1959 issue date is definitively noted as 'SERIE DE 1959' on the obverse. Known varieties for Pick P-93 include different signature combinations of the bank president and treasury minister, as well as potential serial number prefix variations (A, B, and possibly other series). This example represents the standard 1959 issue without overprints or special markings, consistent with the regular issue designation.