5 bolivares 1968-74 reminder

Common. While this is technically a remainder note (an unissued variant), the eBay market data shows these notes trading in the $6.50 to $99.99 range depending on condition, with typical uncirculated examples averaging $40-75 USD. The 2019 catalogue value for UNC is only $8, and the broad price range reflects common availability across multiple grade levels. Remainder notes from major Venezuelan issues are not inherently scarce, and this denomination appears regularly in dealer inventories.

Issued during a period of relative stability in Venezuela's monetary history, this note commemorates two pivotal figures in South American independence: Simón Bolívar, the 'Liberator,' and Francisco de Miranda, the precursor to independence. The National Pantheon depicted on the reverse serves as a monument to these and other national heroes, reflecting Venezuela's early post-independence pride and institutional development during the mid-20th century.

The obverse features two prominent historical portraits positioned centrally: Simón Bolívar facing forward on the left and Francisco de Miranda shown in profile on the right. Both are rendered in classical engraving style characteristic of high-security currency design. The reverse showcases the Pantheon Nacional of Caracas, an architectural monument with multiple towers and a central dome set against a mountainous landscape. The coat of arms of Venezuela appears on the left side of the reverse. The entire design is executed in red/pink on a cream underprint with extensive ornamental guilloche work, decorative scrollwork, and geometric patterns in the corner denomination circles.

Front: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA' (Central Bank of Venezuela), 'CARACAS' (city of issue), 'BOLÍVAR ILUSTRADO' (Bolívar the Illustrious), 'FRANCISCO DE MIRANDA' (Francisco de Miranda), 'CINCO BOLIVARES' (Five Bolivares), 'PAGADEROS AL PORTADOR EN LAS OFICINAS DEL BANCO' (Payable to the bearer at the Bank's offices). Back: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA' (Central Bank of Venezuela), 'CINCO BOLIVARES' (Five Bolivares), 'PANTEON NACIONAL' (National Pantheon).

Intaglio engraving (steel plate printing), as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate guilloche patterns, and detailed architectural rendering throughout the note. Executed by Thomas de la Rue, London, one of the world's premier security printers, known for their mastery of complex multi-color intaglio techniques. The precision of the portraiture and the complexity of the background patterns indicate professional-grade anti-counterfeiting measures typical of TDLR's work.

This is specifically a remainder note (Pick P-50r), characterized by the absence of printed date, signatures, and serial numbers—features that distinguish it from the regular issued notes (Pick P-50). Remainder notes were printing overstock that never entered circulation. The note carries no date beyond the series range 1968-1974, and lacks the manuscript or printed signature line typical of issued currency, making it immediately identifiable as a remainder variant.