1000 bipkwele 1980

Common. eBay market data shows regular sales between $15–$81 depending on grade, with UNC specimens typically fetching $35–$67. The 2019 catalog value for UNC is listed at $35. Print runs for this Pick number were substantial, and specimens remain readily available in the collector market. No documented print run restrictions or recall status elevate this to scarce or rare status.

This note commemorates Equatorial Guinea's transition from the Peseta Guineana to the Bipkwele currency system in 1980, following the country's earlier post-independence monetary reforms. The reverse depicts a tropical coastal landscape with palm trees and boats, reflecting the nation's maritime and agricultural heritage during this period of economic restructuring. The overprint dated October 21, 1980 in Malabo (later renamed Banako) marks the official revalidation of existing currency stock under the new monetary authority.

The obverse features the national state emblem and ornate border work with decorative scalloped corner flourishes in a classical European banknote style. The primary design element on the reverse is a detailed engraved landscape vignette depicting a tropical river or coastal scene with palm trees, water, sailing vessels, and vegetation—representative of Equatorial Guinea's equatorial geography and maritime economy. The national coat of arms appears at the lower center of the reverse, featuring a shield design with a tree emblem and the national motto 'Unidad Justicia Paz' (Unity Justice Peace) on a banner. Fine line engraving and intricate geometric border patterns serve as the primary security elements. The note was printed by Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) in Madrid, with watermark security featuring a woman's head.

FRONT SIDE: 'REPUBLICA DE GUINEA ECUATORIAL' (Republic of Equatorial Guinea) / 'EL BANCO CENTRAL' (The Central Bank) / 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR' (Will Pay to Bearer) / 'CIEN PESETAS GUINEANAS' (One Hundred Guinean Pesetas) / 'BANCO DE GUINEA ECUATORIAL HABILITADO PARA CIEN MIL BIPKWELE' (Bank of Equatorial Guinea Authorized for One Hundred Thousand Bipkwele) / 'SANTA ISABEL, 21 DE OCTUBRE DE 1980' (Santa Isabel, October 21, 1980) / 'MALABO' (city name) / 'EL GOBERNADOR' (The Governor) / 'EL CAJERO' (The Cashier) / Serial Number: 5666473. REVERSE SIDE: 'BANCO CENTRAL' (Central Bank) / 'CIEN PESETAS GUINEANAS' (One Hundred Guinean Pesetas) / 'UNIDAD JUSTICIA PAZ' (Unity Justice Peace—national motto) / '100' (denomination) / Serial Number: 5666473.

Intaglio engraving (offset letterpress) on a base design originally created for the 100 Pesetas Guineanas (1969), with overprinting in black and red for the 1980 revalidation. The detailed landscape vignette, fine line work, geometric borders, and decorative elements are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. The overprint stamp and denomination conversion were applied as secondary overprinting. Produced by Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT), Madrid.

This note represents the 1980 revalidated issue of the original 100 Pesetas Guineanas design from October 12, 1969. The variety is characterized by the black overprint reading 'BANCO DE GUINEA ECUATORIAL HABILITADO PARA CIEN MIL BIPKWELE' and the revalidation date stamp of October 21, 1980 in Malabo. The serial number 5666473 (observed on this specimen) is in red on both obverse and reverse. PMG has cataloged this as Pick-18 (P-18) with one documented variant. Signature varieties may exist based on governor and cashier signatures, though the visual analysis does not provide sufficient detail to identify specific signatories.