1000 pesetas 1957
Market Prices
43 salesAbout This Note
This 1000 pesetas banknote from 1957 features the iconic Catholic Monarchs (Reyes Católicos) Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile in elaborate royal regalia with crowns and jeweled embellishments, rendered in fine engraved detail. The reverse displays the Spanish coat of arms with an eagle and heraldic symbolism framed by classical figures and Corinthian columns. The visual analysis indicates the note is in exceptional condition with no visible wear, creases, or stains, suggesting an uncirculated or near-uncirculated state that exceeds the assigned VF grade.
Common. This is a standard circulation issue of the 1957 pesetas series with no special characteristics indicating scarcity. Market data from realbanknotes.com shows consistent sales of VF examples in the $8-$28 range over the past decade, with typical VF catalogue value around $55 (2016 estimate). The note was part of a large regular issue by Banco de España and remains readily available to collectors. The visual condition observed appears to exceed the assigned VF grade, which may account for prices at the higher end of typical VF sales.
Issued on November 29, 1957, during the Franco era of Spanish history, this note commemorates Spain's Catholic Monarchs who unified the kingdom in the late 15th century and sponsored Columbus's voyage to the Americas. The heraldic imagery on the reverse, featuring the eagle and royal coat of arms, reflects the Spanish state's emphasis on national sovereignty and historical legitimacy during the post-Civil War period. The note's design and issuing authority, Banco de España, represent the institutional continuity of Spanish monetary authority even during this politically complex period.
The obverse features portraits of Ferdinand II of Aragon (left) and Isabella I of Castile (right), both crowned and dressed in elaborate period royal costume with jeweled embellishments, positioned within ornate decorative borders of floral and geometric patterns. The denomination appears in all four corners. The reverse presents the Spanish royal coat of arms dominated by a heraldic eagle, flanked by allegorical classical figures in robes (representing Spain's historical and cultural heritage), with the composition framed by ornamental Corinthian columns and elaborate scrollwork. A scallop shell emblem appears as part of the heraldic design, adding to the classical iconography.
FRONT SIDE: '1000' and 'MIL PESETAS' (One thousand pesetas); 'EL BANCO DE ESPAÑA' (The Bank of Spain); 'MADRID'; '29 de Noviembre de 1957' (November 29, 1957); 'REYES CATÓLICOS' (Catholic Monarchs); 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to bearer); 'EL GOBERNADOR' (The Governor), 'EL INTERVENTOR' (The Auditor), 'EL CAJERO' (The Cashier); 'POR ORDEN DE MONEDA Y TIMBRE' (By order of Currency and Stamp); Serial number 'L5595790'. BACK SIDE: '1000' and 'MIL PESETAS' (One thousand pesetas); 'BANCO DE ESPAÑA' (Bank of Spain); Serial number 'L5595790'.
Intaglio (line engraving) printing, evidenced by the fine detail in the portrait work, ornate decorative borders with precise line patterns, and the complex heraldic engraving on the reverse. Printed by Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (National Factory of Currency and Stamps) in Madrid, as indicated on the note. The red serial number suggests separate letterpress application for variable security elements.
This note is catalogued as Pick P-149 (base number), with known variants P-149a and P-149s both identified as Madrid printings in the PMG population report. The serial number prefix 'L' and serial number L5595790 are consistent with the standard Madrid production. No overprints or special markings are evident in the visual analysis. The November 29, 1957 issue date corresponds to the standard initial release of this denomination.
