5 pesos 1896

Common. eBay auction data shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades (F to UNC) spanning 2010-2025, with recent VF examples selling for $24-40 and AU/AUNC examples in the $16-42 range. The 2016 catalog value for UNC ($12.50) and VF ($3.50) indicates this is a standard circulation-era issue with no documented print run restrictions. The high number of auction transactions (13+ sales recorded) and wide condition availability suggest substantial surviving quantities. This Pick number represents regular-issue colonial currency from a well-established issuing bank, not a rare or short-lived variant.

This note was issued during the final years of Spanish colonial rule in Cuba, just months before the Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898) would lead to Spain's loss of the island. The depicted maritime imagery—featuring a steamship and fortification—reflects Cuba's importance as a Caribbean trading hub and naval strategic position under Spanish administration. The heraldic emblem on the reverse, displaying the Spanish crown and colonial symbols, reinforces the imperial authority issuing this currency as 'fuerte en metálico' (backed by precious metal), a standard reassurance for colonial-era banknotes.

The obverse features an allegorical female personification—identified as Commerce or Liberty—seated in classical drapery, gesturing toward a bustling harbor scene that includes a modern steamship and colonial fortification, symbolizing Cuba's commercial importance and maritime trade. The composition is framed by elaborate ornamental borders incorporating geometric and floral patterns executed in fine-line engraving. Denomination cartouches containing the numeral '5' occupy the upper corners. The reverse displays a heraldic coat of arms—identified as the Spanish colonial shield with crown and flags—centrally positioned within concentric decorative borders of rosette and fan patterns. The paper has aged to a cream/off-white tone with visible foxing throughout. Red validation stamps or overprints (consistent with 'PLATA' markings noted in catalog references) are overlaid on the reverse design. Serial numbers appear in multiple locations on both sides.

FRONT: 'EL BANCO ESPAÑOL DE LA ISLA DE CUBA' (The Spanish Bank of the Island of Cuba) / 'A LA PRESENTACION DE ESTE BILLETE PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR CINCO PESOS FUERTE EN METALICO' (At the presentation of this note will pay the bearer Five Pesos strong in metallic) / 'HABANA, 15 DE MAYO DE 1896' (Havana, May 15, 1896) / 'EL GOBERNADOR, EL CONSEJERO, EL CAJERO' (The Governor, The Counselor, The Cashier) / 'American Bank Note Co. New York' / Serial Number: SNº 0341143 F / SNº 0341143 GA. BACK: 'LA ISLA DE CUBA' (The Island of Cuba) / 'American Bank Note Co. New York'.

Intaglio (steel/copper plate engraving) by American Bank Note Company, New York. The fine-line engraving work is evident throughout both sides, with multiple decorative pattern layers creating security through complexity. The sharp detail definition in the allegorical figure, maritime vignette, and heraldic emblem, combined with the precision of border work and typography, confirms high-quality intaglio production. The red overprint validation marks ('PLATA') appear to have been applied post-printing, likely by hand stamp or lithographic overlay.

Pick catalog number P-48b indicates this is variety 'b' of the 1896 5 Pesos issue. The red 'PLATA' overprint visible on the reverse is a documented feature distinguishing certain impressions from this issue. Serial number SNº 0341143 with suffix designators 'F' and 'GA' suggests multiple serial number systems or check letter varieties typical of ABNC production. No signature varieties or major overprint differences are apparent from this specimen, suggesting it represents the standard circulation version of P-48b rather than a rare or proof variant.