5 pesos 1960
Market Prices
6 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional example of Cuba's 1960 5 pesos note (Pick P-91c) in uncirculated condition, printed by Thomas De La Rue with sharp, crisp impressions throughout. The note displays the iconic portrait of Máximo Gómez on the obverse alongside a dramatic historical battle scene, while the reverse showcases Cuba's agricultural and industrial heritage through detailed vignettes of sugar cane harvesting and cigar factory operations. The red serial number W019786-A and pristine state of preservation make this an attractive specimen for collectors of Cuban currency and mid-20th century banknotes.
Common. This note exhibits characteristics typical of regular-issue Cuban 5 pesos notes from the early 1960s, with no indication of a restricted print run or limited issuing period. The eBay market data provided shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades over a decade (2012-2019), with UNC examples bringing approximately $11-12.50, and the 2016 catalog value for UNC at $25. These moderate market prices and sustained trading volume are consistent with common-grade banknotes. No evidence of this being a rare variety, short-lived issue, or commemorative note exists.
Issued in 1960, this banknote reflects Cuba's transitional period following the Revolution of 1959, with imagery emphasizing national economic foundations—agriculture and manufacturing—that would remain central to the island's economy. The portrait of Máximo Gómez (1835-1905), the legendary general of Cuban independence wars, connects the new revolutionary regime to Cuba's 19th-century struggle against Spanish colonial rule. The guarantee text referencing gold backing and the formal structure of the Banco Nacional de Cuba reflects the early post-Revolutionary monetary system before the currency's eventual devaluation and the U.S. embargo's full impact.
The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait of Máximo Gómez, the revered Cuban independence general, positioned at right, rendered in fine engraving with characteristic detail of his elderly visage, white beard, and spectacles. The central composition depicts a mounted cavalry charge or battle scene representing Cuba's independence struggles, with multiple horsemen in dynamic composition. The reverse presents two economic vignettes: at left, agricultural workers harvesting sugar cane in a tropical landscape with palm trees and rural structures; at right, industrial workers in a cigar factory or manufacturing facility. The center contains the heraldic coat of arms of the Republic of Cuba, featuring a royal palm tree, a shield with a cross, and laurel branches. Both sides employ ornamental corner designs with the denomination numeral ('5' or 'CINCO'). The color scheme is black and gray with green underprinting on the obverse and predominantly green on the reverse, printed on a cream or off-white base stock.
FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE CUBA' (National Bank of Cuba); 'SERIE DE 1960' (Series of 1960); '5 PESOS' and 'CINCO PESOS' (5 Pesos, both numeral and written forms); 'MAXIMO GOMEZ' (portrait identification); 'RESIDENTE DEL BANCO' (President of the Bank); 'MINISTRO DE HACIENDA' (Minister of Finance); 'GARANTIZADO INTEGRAMENTE CON ORO, CAMBIO EXTRANJERO CONVERTIBLE ES ORO Y TODOS LOS DEMAS ACTIVOS DEL BANCO NACIONAL DE CUBA. ESTE BILLETE CONSTITUYE UNA OBLIGACION DEL ESTADO USANO' (Guaranteed entirely with gold, convertible foreign exchange into gold and all other assets of the National Bank of Cuba. This banknote constitutes an obligation of the State). Serial number: W019786-A. BACK SIDE: 'REPUBLICA DE CUBA' (Republic of Cuba); 'CINCO PESOS' (Five Pesos); 'ESTE BILLETE TIENE CURSO LEGAL Y FUERZA LIBERATORIA LIMITADA DE ACUERDO CON LA LEY PARA EL PAGO DE TODA OBLIGACION CONTRAIDA A CUMPLIR EN EL TERRITORIO NACIONAL' (This banknote has legal tender status and limited liberatory force according to the law for the payment of all obligations to be fulfilled in the national territory); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON' (printer attribution).
Intaglio (engraved) printing by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited, London, the renowned British security printer. The visual evidence of fine line work, intricate border patterns, detailed portraiture, and complex background vignettes are all characteristic of the intaglio process. Security features include the red overprint seal of the Banco Nacional de Cuba and red-printed serial number, applied as separate passes. The sharp impressions and fine detail visible in the UNC specimen indicate excellent plate condition at the time of printing.
This specimen bears serial number W019786-A, indicating it is from the standard printing. The series designation 'SERIE DE 1960' is consistent with the Pick P-91c cataloging. No overprints, signatures variants, or other distinguishing characteristics are apparent from the visual analysis that would indicate a rare sub-variety. The note conforms to standard specifications for the 1960 regular issue.
