
The Venezuelan Venezolano banknotes have undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting the country's economic shifts. The first Venezuelan Venezolano banknotes were introduced in 1871.
In the early 20th century, the Venezuelan government introduced the Venezolano at a rate of 1 Venezuelan Venezolano = 10 bolivars. This change was a response to inflation and economic instability.
The Venezolano's value continued to fluctuate, and by the 1980s, it was trading at a rate of 1 Venezolano = 100 bolivars. This decline was a result of hyperinflation and economic mismanagement.
In 2008, the Venezuelan government replaced the Venezolano with the Bolivar Fuerte, which was further divided into subunits to combat inflation.
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History of Venezuelan Currency
Venezuelan banknotes have become highly valuable in the numismatic market due to their rarity and historical significance.
As Venezuela experiences financial turbulence, the demand for older notes rises. This is why collectors are looking to acquire these notes as an investment and a statement piece.
Venezuelan banknotes are not only visually captivating but also serve as a tangible connection to the country's history and economy.
Struggle for Independence (1810–1821)

The Struggle for Independence in Venezuela was a tumultuous period that had a significant impact on the country's currency. In 1811, Congress approved the issue of paper money, with the first notes being released on November 18, 1811.
These early notes were backed by national revenues and came in denominations of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 pesos. A supplement later that year authorized the creation of small cardboard notes worth 2 reales, with a total of 20,000 pesos in circulation.
The peso notes were unfortunately counterfeited extensively, leading to the authorization of a second issue with a new design in February 1812. The royalists occupied Caracas just before a third issue was authorized on December 31, 1812, but they were able to recover and burn many of the notes in La Victoria.
Here are some specific denominations of copper coins that were dated 1813–1821:
- medio (1/2r) (16,000)
- real (20,000)
1862 Recursos Junta
In 1862, the Junta de Recursos issued a series of notes that would become a significant part of Venezuelan currency history.

The Junta de Recursos notes were issued in denominations of 1/2r, 1r, 2r, and 5r, with the 5r being the largest denomination at 30 mm in diameter.
These notes were minted in various quantities, with the 1/2r being produced in 40,270 pieces, and the 1r being produced in 42,698 pieces.
Here's a breakdown of the Junta de Recursos notes:
- 1/2r (medio): 14.5 mm in diameter, 1.150 g in weight
- 1r (real): 17.5 mm in diameter, 2.300 g in weight
- 2r (peseta): 23 mm in diameter, 4.600 g in weight
- 5r (bamba): 30 mm in diameter, 11.500 g in weight
The Bolívar (Bs.) was the official currency unit, equivalent to 100 Céntimos.
1865 Private Bank Notes
In 1865, El Banco de Londres y Venezuela, Limitado was established in Caracas with a capital of £500,000 sterling.
This bank issued private bank notes, a unique aspect of Venezuelan currency at the time.
The notes were dated January 23, 1865, and featured different languages on the front and back, with "5 pesos sencillos" in Spanish on the front and "5 dollars currency" in English on the back.
These notes were likely used for everyday transactions, given their denomination of 5 pesos or dollars.
Here are some key details about these 1865 private bank notes:
- Denomination: 5 pesos sencillos or 5 dollars currency
- Size: 18 mm
- Weight: 2·000 g
1869 Treasury Notes

In 1869, the Venezuelan government introduced treasury notes, specifically 5-peso notes, under an authorization dated January 19, 1869.
These notes were a type of currency issued by the treasury, designed to meet the financial needs of the country at that time.
The authorization for these notes was a significant step in the development of Venezuelan currency, marking a new era in the country's financial history.
Treasury notes like these were an essential part of the Venezuelan economy, providing a stable form of exchange for citizens and businesses alike.
The 5-peso note was a standard denomination, widely accepted and used in everyday transactions.
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Why Venezuelan?
Venezuelan banknotes are visually captivating due to their unique designs. They're also valuable in the numismatic market because of their rarity and historical significance.
The demand for older notes is rising as Venezuela experiences financial turbulence. This makes them a great investment opportunity for collectors.
These notes serve as both an investment and a statement piece, making them a great addition to any currency collection.
Currency Evolution

The Central Bank of Venezuela has recently introduced new denominations of banknotes to combat hyperinflation.
In just a year, the country has dropped five zeroes from its currency, and now three new notes are being introduced: 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 bolivars.
The highest of these notes, the 50,000 bolivar, is worth only around $7.60 based on black market rates.
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1887–1930 Bolívar (Gold)
The Bolívar (Gold) was introduced in 1887 and remained in circulation until 1930. It was a significant addition to Venezuela's currency.
This gold-backed currency was pegged to the value of gold, which was a major departure from the country's previous currency systems. The Bolívar (Gold) was subdivided into 10 centimos.
The introduction of the Bolívar (Gold) marked a major shift towards a more stable and reliable currency system in Venezuela.
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1930–2008 Bolívar (Paper)
The Bolívar, Venezuela's currency, has a fascinating history. The paper Bolívar was first introduced in the 19th century.
The Banco Nacional de Venezuela issued the first paper Bolívar notes in 1841, with denominations of 5, 20, 100, and 500 pesos. These notes were printed by the New England Bank Note Co. of Boston.

Interestingly, the only notes known to exist from this era are the 5 and 20 peso notes. The bank terminated operations in 1850.
A series of provisional governments took place during the civil war of 1859-1861, but this doesn't directly relate to the paper Bolívar.
The peso fuerte, or Venezuelan gold peso, was equivalent to 10 reales or 100 centavos.
2008 Bolívar Fuerte
In 2008, the bolívar fuerte was introduced, replacing the old bolívar at a rate of 1 bolívar fuerte for 1000 old bolívares.
The bolívar fuerte had a specific ISO 4217 code: VEF, and was abbreviated as Bs.F.
Old notes ceased to be legal tender on January 1, 2009, after being replaced by the new bolívar fuerte.
Prices were expressed in both bolívars and bolívar fuertes from October 1, 2007, in preparation for the conversion.
New Currency Notes Introduced
New notes have been introduced in Venezuela, with three new denominations of banknotes being added to the country's currency. The Central Bank of Venezuela made this announcement in a statement.
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The new denominations include 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 bolivar notes. These notes will be available starting June 13.
The highest denomination, the 50,000 bolivar note, is worth only around $7.60 based on black market rates. This is more than Venezuela's monthly minimum wage.
The introduction of these new notes comes less than a year after the country dropped five zeroes from its currency.
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Specific Denominations
The venezolano banknotes have several denominations, each with its own unique features. The smallest denomination is 2 bolivares, which is a small bill that's easy to carry around.
The 5 bolivares note features a portrait of Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan leader who played a key role in the country's independence. This note is a great way to learn about Venezuelan history.
The 10 bolivares bill has a distinctive design with a picture of a Venezuelan landscape. This note is a good choice for tourists who want to get a glimpse of the country's natural beauty.
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The 20 bolivares note is one of the most widely used denominations, and it features a portrait of a Venezuelan president. This note is a great way to get a sense of the country's politics.
The 50 bolivares bill is a larger note that's often used for bigger purchases. It features a picture of a Venezuelan cultural icon, adding a touch of local flavor to your transactions.
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Economic and Cultural Context
Venezuela has undergone significant economic transformations, with periods of hyperinflation and currency redenominations.
The country transitioned from the Bolívar Fuerte (VEF) to the Bolívar Soberano (VES), which is reflected in the design and value of the banknotes.
Collectors and investors seek out these notes due to their historical significance and monetary value.
The changes in Venezuela's economy are evident in the banknotes, making them a unique piece of the country's monetary history.
Sources
- https://www.centralbanking.com/central-banks/currency/banknotes/4265126/venezuela-introduces-new-banknotes-as-hyperinflation-continues
- https://www.greatamericancoincompany.com/products/copy-of-1-000-000-venezuela-bolivar-soberano-banknote-uncirculated-dated-2020-one-million
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currency_of_Venezuela
- https://noteshobby.com/collections/venezuela-currency
- https://www.numiscorner.com/collections/banknotes-venezuela
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