50 guarinies 1963
About This Note
This is a 1963 Paraguayan 50 Guaraní banknote issued by the Banco Central del Paraguay, printed by the prestigious Thomas De La Rue in London. The note features a portrait of Marshal José F. Estigarribia in military dress on the obverse and a scenic depiction of the Trans-Chaco Route on the reverse, rendered in classic sepia tones with intricate engraving. While the note shows moderate circulation wear with visible creases and fold marks, it retains good detail clarity, making it a representative example of mid-20th century Paraguayan currency design.
Common. The 50 Guaraní denomination from this 1963 series was part of regular circulation currency production by the established Banco Central del Paraguay with no known constraints on print runs or later recall. The note shows moderate circulation wear consistent with common notes that entered general circulation. No specific scarcity factors are documented for Pick 197a(2), and such mid-20th century Paraguayan denominations typically remain common in the collector market.
This banknote was issued under Decree Law No. 18 of March 25, 1952, establishing the legal tender framework that remained in effect during this 1963 printing. Marshal José F. Estigarribia, depicted on the obverse, was a significant historical military figure in Paraguay's history, honored on this denomination as a national hero. The reverse's depiction of the Trans-Chaco Route reflects Paraguay's development of this crucial regional infrastructure, connecting the capital to the remote Chaco region and symbolizing the nation's economic expansion during the mid-20th century.
The obverse features a right-facing profile portrait of Mariscal (Marshal) José F. Estigarribia, a nationally revered military leader and former president, rendered in formal military dress uniform with decorative buttons and epaulettes. The left side displays an oval seal containing the coat of arms of Paraguay featuring a rampant lion and the inscription 'República del Paraguay.' The center is dominated by an ornate scalloped cartouche containing the denomination text 'Cincuenta Guaraníes.' Denomination numerals '50' appear in all four corners in decorative cartouches. The reverse showcases a detailed landscape engraving labeled 'Ruta Trans-Chaco' depicting a rural Paraguayan pastoral scene with a dirt road, wooden fence, scattered palm trees, grazing cattle, a small structure in the middle distance, and a water body in the foreground—representing the economic importance of this transportation route to the remote Chaco region. The entire design employs elaborate decorative borders and geometric patterns throughout.
FRONT SIDE: 'Banco Central del Paraguay' (Central Bank of Paraguay) / 'Cincuenta Guaraníes' (Fifty Guaraní) / 'El Banco Central del Paraguay reconoce este billete por' (The Central Bank of Paraguay recognizes this banknote for) / 'Mariscal José F. Estigarribia' (Marshal José F. Estigarribia) / 'Gerente' (Manager) / 'Presidente' (President) / Serial number 'A1593929' / 'Este billete tiene curso legal y fuerza cancelatoria ilimitada en todo el territorio de la República (Decreto Ley Nº 18 del 25 de Marzo de 1952)' (This banknote has legal tender status and unlimited cancellation power throughout the territory of the Republic [Decree Law No. 18 of March 25, 1952]) / 'Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited' (printer attribution). REVERSE SIDE: '50' (denomination in all four corners) / 'República del Paraguay' (Republic of Paraguay) / 'Cincuenta Guaraníes' (Fifty Guaraní) / 'Ruta Trans-Chaco' (Trans-Chaco Route) / 'Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited' (printer attribution).
Intaglio engraving, the hallmark security printing method employed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited. The note displays the characteristic fine detail work, intricate line engraving, complex cross-hatching patterns, and geometric designs typical of high-security banknote production. The depth and perspective visible in the landscape scene and the portrait rendering are consistent with steel plate intaglio engraving techniques, which provided both artistic quality and anti-counterfeiting security features.
This specimen is Pick 197a(2), indicating it is the second known variety or state of the 197a issue. The serial number A1593929 suggests an early production run from the 'A' series. The specific variety designation (197a(2)) may reflect differences in signatures, dates, or printing characteristics compared to other states of this issue, though the exact distinguishing characteristics between Pick 197a(1) and 197a(2) would require direct comparison with other documented examples in specialized catalogs. The note's legal basis is confirmed as Decree Law No. 18 of March 25, 1952, consistent with the catalog data provided.
