1961 Cuba 50 Pesos Banknote – Che Guevara Signature – Calixto García – P-98

An original 1961 Banco Nacional de Cuba 50 Pesos banknote, issued during one of the most historically significant periods of the Cuban Revolution and featuring the famous abbreviated “Che” signature of Ernesto Che Guevara as President of the National Bank.

The front features a portrait of Cuban independence leader Calixto García Iñiguez, surrounded by elaborate violet engraving and the denomination Cincuenta Pesos. The serial number is C33 040835.

The reverse is particularly noteworthy, depicting the Nationalization of Foreign Enterprises on August 6, 1960. The detailed revolutionary-era scene includes armed figures, the Cuban flag and industrial imagery, with references to United Fruit, Esso and ICP incorporated into the design. This design makes the note an especially interesting historical artifact of the economic and political transformation taking place in Cuba following the 1959 Revolution.

The note bears the distinctive “Che” signature in the position of Presidente del Banco. This is the official facsimile signature appearing on the issued currency and is not a personally handwritten autograph.

Details:
• Country: Cuba
• Issuer: Banco Nacional de Cuba
• Year: 1961
• Denomination: 50 Pesos
• Catalog reference: Pick P-98
• Portrait: Calixto García Iñiguez
• Serial number: C33 040835
• Che Guevara signature
• Composition: Paper
• Approximate original size: 150 × 70 mm

Condition: This is an authentic-looking vintage circulated example showing substantial evidence of its age and use. The note displays overall toning and discoloration, multiple folds and creases, handling wear, scattered spotting/staining and darker discoloration along portions of the upper and lower margins. The edges show age-related wear, but the note remains complete with strong overall design detail. The portrait, serial number, denomination and “Che” signature remain clearly visible. The reverse retains particularly attractive detail despite the circulation wear. No professional numerical grade is being assigned. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they show the exact banknote offered for sale and are an important part of the condition description.

A compelling piece of Cuban revolutionary history and an excellent addition to a collection of Cuban currency, Che Guevara memorabilia, Latin American banknotes or Cold War-era historical material.