50 centesimos 1939

Common. The 50 centesimos denomination from this 1939 issue was produced in substantial quantities for circulation, and many examples survive today in various grades. Series F specimens remain readily available in the collector market. While UNC examples are more desirable than circulated notes, this denomination and date are not scarce, and specimens regularly appear for sale at moderate prices reflective of their common status.

This banknote was issued during a transitional period in Uruguayan monetary history, specifically authorized by law in early 1939, during the presidency of General Alfredo Baldomir. The design reflects Uruguay's national identity through the prominent display of the coat of arms on the reverse, featuring the iconic sun and lion symbolism central to the nation's heraldry. The formal 19th-century portrait on the obverse likely represents a significant historical figure or founder, reflecting the nation's institutional pride during a period of relative economic stability and democratic governance.

The front of this banknote features a central portrait of a bearded gentleman rendered in profile facing right, dressed in formal 19th-century military or official regalia, positioned within an ornate circular frame with elaborate decorative borders. The design employs sophisticated engraving with fine cross-hatching and intricate line work throughout. Ornamental corner designs include acanthus leaf flourishes and architectural elements, with the denomination '050' displayed in all four corners within decorative circular frames. The reverse showcases Uruguay's national coat of arms prominently centered within an ornate geometric lattice-patterned circular frame, topped with laurel wreaths symbolizing national achievement. The arms feature the rising sun above a shield containing a lion and waves, classic elements of Uruguayan heraldry. Both sides employ a sophisticated color scheme of green and cream/beige printing on a light background, with the front incorporating red/orange accents for emphasis on serial numbers and key text.

FRONT: 'EL DEPARTAMENTO DE EMISION DEL BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY' (The Issuance Department of the Bank of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay) | 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR Y A LA VISTA' (Will Pay to Bearer on Sight) | 'LEY DE 2 DE ENERO DE 1939' (Law of January 2, 1939) | 'CINCUENTA CENTESIMOS' (Fifty Centesimos) | 'MONEDA NACIONAL' (National Currency) | 'MONTEVIDEO' (Montevideo) | 'SERIE F' (Series F) | 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'SECRETARIO GENERAL' (General Secretary) — signature lines | Serial number: 477613 | Denomination markers: '050'. BACK: 'DEPARTAMENTO DE EMISION DEL BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY' (Issuance Department of the Bank of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay) | 'CINCUENTA CENTESIMOS' (Fifty Centesimos) | Denomination markers: '050'

This banknote was produced using intaglio engraving (line engraving/copperplate printing), evidenced by the fine cross-hatching patterns, detailed line work, intricate border designs, and sharp definition visible throughout both the obverse and reverse. The multi-color printing combining green, red/orange, and black on a cream background suggests separate runs for different color plates, typical of high-security banknote production of the 1930s. This note was likely produced by the American Bank Note Company or a similar specialized security printer contracted by the Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay, consistent with international standards for central bank currency production of this period.

This example is from SERIE F, as indicated on the face of the note. Varieties of this Pick 34 issue can be distinguished by series designation (A through F or beyond), signature varieties from the three authorized officials (Presidente, Gerente General, Secretario General), and serial number prefixes. The serial number 477613 is specific to this individual specimen. Collectors should note that multiple series were printed; series designations represent the primary variety characteristic for this issue, with different series potentially varying in print quantity and relative availability.