500 pesetas 1928

Common. The eBay sales data provided shows consistent activity with multiple examples selling in the $30-$150 range over approximately 15 years, with EF specimens regularly achieving $31-$46. The 2016 catalogue valuation of $60 for VF and $140 for UNC, combined with the frequency of sales across all grades, indicates this is a standard regular-issue banknote with adequate supply in the collector market. Print runs for this denomination and period were substantial enough to ensure availability today.

This banknote was issued during Spain's Second Republic era (1931 onwards, though this particular note is from 1928 during the late Monarchy period under King Alfonso XIII). The imagery honors Cardinal Cisneros, the influential 15th-century ecclesiastical and political figure, and the iconic Cathedral of Toledo, reflecting Spain's cultural and religious heritage. The classical 'Liberation of Captives' scene on the reverse represents Spain's artistic traditions and humanistic values during this transitional period in Spanish history.

The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Cardinal Cisneros (Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros, 1436-1517), rendered in fine purple/mauve engraving tones. To the left stands the Cathedral of Toledo, specifically its distinctive Gothic tower with ornate spires and architectural detailing, a masterwork of Spanish medieval architecture. The note employs a multicolor underprint in purple and green with elaborate decorative cartouches, geometric borders, and security patterns throughout. The reverse depicts a historical scene titled 'Liberation of Captives,' an artistic composition by Casanova showing multiple figures in Renaissance-period dress within a classical interior setting with columns and arches. A prominent figure in golden/yellow robes appears to be in a position of authority, consistent with a liberation or pardon scene. Heraldic elements and checkered coat of arms designs appear in the margins.

FRONT SIDE: 'EL BANCO DE ESPAÑA' (The Bank of Spain), 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to the bearer), 'QUINIENTAS PESETAS' (Five hundred pesetas), 'CARDENAL CISNEROS' (Cardinal Cisneros), 'MADRID, 15 de Agosto de 1928' (Madrid, August 15, 1928), 'EL GOBERNADOR' (The Governor), 'EL INTERVENTOR' (The Interventor), 'EL CAJERO' (The Cashier), '500' (denomination), 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON Y Cª GRABADORES, NEW MALDEN, SURREY, INGLATERRA' (Bradbury, Wilkinson and Co. Engravers, New Malden, Surrey, England). BACK SIDE: 'BANCO DE ESPAÑA' (Bank of Spain), '500' (denomination), 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON Y Cª GRABADORES, NEW MALDEN, SURREY, INGLATERRA' (Bradbury, Wilkinson and Co. Engravers, New Malden, Surrey, England). Serial number '0614100' appears on both sides in red ink.

Steel engraving with fine line work and crosshatching, executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., the prestigious British security printer based in New Malden, Surrey. The note demonstrates sophisticated security features typical of early 20th-century banknote production, including intricate engraved patterns, multiple fine lines, detailed architectural rendering, and differentiated red ink for serial numbers. The multicolor underprint technique combines purple, green, pink, and other colors to create depth and authenticity verification.

The Pick catalog identifies this as P-77, with one known variant catalogued as P-77a (500 Pesetas - Madrid). The visual analysis shows this note bears the Madrid date designation ('MADRID, 15 de Agosto de 1928'), consistent with the standard issue. The serial number observed (0614100) indicates an early production run. No additional varieties such as overprints, date variations, or signature variants are apparent from the visual examination of this particular specimen.