25 Centavos, The Spanish Bank of Havana, Cuba, 1872–1876 (Pick 31)

This 25 Centavos note was issued in Cuba by The Spanish Bank of Havana, with dates recorded from 1872–1876. It belongs to the Pre-Republic (1870-1898) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: Amadeo I (1871-1873). It measures 83 × 37 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 31.

Obverse: Crown a top two shields with coats of arms atop two globes flanked by cornucopia and caduceus. Serial number in red color. Its lettering reads “EL BANCO / ESPAÑOL DE HABANA / A LA PRESENTACION DE ESTE / BILLETE / pagará al portador / VEINTE Y CINCO / CENTAVOS / en efectivo. / Habana, 1º de Julio de 1872”. Translation given in the catalogue: “The Spanish Bank of Havana Upon presentation of this banknote, pay to bearer Twenty-Five cents in cash. Havana, July 1st., 1872.”.

Reverse: Smokestacks; seated allegorical woman (Havana) holding cornucopia and staff; palm tree. Its lettering reads “EL BANCO ESPAÑOL DE HABANA / 25 / VEINTE Y CINCO CENTAVOS”. Translation given in the catalogue: “The Spanish Bank of Havana Twenty-Five cents”. The note was printed by National Bank Note Company, New York City, United States (1861-1872). Demonetized: Yes. Identification note: match the value, issuing bank, printed date and Pick number together; dates and signature combinations distinguish sub-varieties, which are not separated in this entry. Details follow the Numista catalogue entry and the Standard Catalog reference it cites; they have not been checked against a central-bank archive.