100 guarinies 1963

Common. This is a standard circulation issue from the 1963 Banco Central del Paraguay series with a substantial print run. The Pick-199a(2) variety represents a regular issued note without unusual features, limited mintage, or recall status. The serial number format and condition suggest this was part of normal production circulation. Mid-20th century Paraguayan notes of this denomination are readily available in the numismatic market at modest valuations.

Issued under Decree Law No. 18 of March 25, 1962, this note commemorates important figures and landmarks from Paraguay's national history. General José E. Díaz, depicted on the front, represents Paraguay's military heritage, while the Ruins of Humaita on the reverse honor the devastating War of the Triple Alliance (1863-1870), a pivotal conflict that shaped the nation's modern identity and territorial boundaries.

The front features a left-facing profile portrait of General José E. Díaz, a prominent Paraguayan military figure, rendered in fine engraved detail within an oval cartouche surrounded by ornamental rosette patterns. The left side displays the circular national seal of the Republic of Paraguay inscribed with 'REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY' and the national motto 'PAZ Y JUSTICIA' (Peace and Justice). The reverse showcases an expertly engraved landscape depicting the Ruins of Humaita, the remains of a colonial-era fortified church complex that served as a strategic military stronghold during the War of the Triple Alliance (1863-1870). The architectural details of the ruined structure are rendered with considerable precision, surrounded by period landscape elements. Both sides feature large denomination numerals (100) positioned prominently and framed by decorative scroll work and border designs.

FRONT: 'BANCO CENTRAL DEL PARAGUAY' (Central Bank of Paraguay) / 'CIEN GUARANIES' (One Hundred Guaranies) / 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DEL PARAGUAY RECONOCE ESTE BILLETE POR' (The Central Bank of Paraguay recognizes this note as) / 'GENERAL JOSE' (General Jose) / 'GERENTE' (Manager) / 'PRESIDENTE' (President) / 'ESTE BILLETE TIENE CURSO LEGAL Y FUERZA CANCELATORIA ILIMITADA EN TODO EL TERRITORIO DE LA REPUBLICA (DECRETO LEY Nº 18 DEL 25 DE MARZO DE 1962)' (This note has legal tender and unlimited cancellation power throughout the territory of the Republic - Decree Law No. 18 of March 25, 1962) / 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited). BACK: 'REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY' (Republic of Paraguay) / 'CIEN GUARANIES' (One Hundred Guaranies) / 'RUINAS DE HUMAITA 1863/70' (Ruins of Humaita 1863/70) / 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving/copperplate), as evidenced by the fine line work, cross-hatching patterns, and intricate detail visible throughout the note. The security features include complex engraved patterns, fine line work, and likely watermark elements in the center background. Printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited, London, a world-renowned security printer known for producing banknotes using advanced intaglio techniques with anti-counterfeiting security measures standard for the era.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-199a(2), indicating it is a specific variety within the 100 Guaranies 1963 series. The Pick designation (2) suggests there are multiple varieties of this denomination. The visual analysis confirms this as the Thomas De La Rue printing identified in the catalog. Serial number A36817037 is visible on the front. The decree date of March 25, 1962 (with 1963 issue year) is consistent with the Pick catalog reference. Without additional comparative examples, the specific distinguishing features of the (2) variety designation are not definitively identifiable from the images alone, though signature variants and potential overprint differences may characterize different Pick numbers within this series.