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500 Bolivars (500 bolívares), Central Bank of Venezuela, Venezuela, 1943–1946 (Pick 36)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

1943-1946

Issuing entity

Venezuela

This 500 Bolivars note was issued in Venezuela by the Central Bank of Venezuela, with dates recorded from 1943–1946. It belongs to the Bolivar (1879-2007) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: United States (1864-1953). It measures 156 × 69 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 36.

Obverse: Red on multicolor underprint. On the right, portrait of Simon Bolivar inside an oval from unknown author; in the center, the denomination value "500", with the denomination and the payment clause below. On the top, the issuer name; in each corner the denomination value "500". Its lettering reads “BANCO CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA / CARACAS / 500 / QUINIENTOS BOLÍVARES / PAGADEROS AL PORTADOR / EN LAS OFICINAS DEL BANCO / FECHA / MAYO 9-1946 / AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY”. Translation given in the catalogue: “Central Bank of Venezuela Caracas Five Hundred Bolivares Payable at Bearer in Bank Offices Date May 9th., 1946”.

Reverse: Red print. On the left, inside a circle, the Coat of Arms. On the right, the denomination value "500". On the top, the issuer name; on the bottom, the denomination in words and the denomination value "500" above. Its lettering reads “BANCO CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA / 500 / QUINIENTOS BOLÍVARES”. Translation given in the catalogue: “Central Bank of Venezuela 500 Five Hundred Bolivares”. The note was printed by American Banknote Corporation (American Bank Note Company), United States (1795-date). Signatures recorded for the type: Jesús Herrera Mendoza (JHM) (President of Central Bank); Xavier Lopez Bello (XLB) (First Vice-President of Central Bank); Loynaz Sucre (LS) (First Vice-President of Central Bank); José Joaquín González Gorrondona (JJGG) (First Vice-President of Central Bank). 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.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
Catalogue references
2

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

On 1953 the name of the country was changed by the constitution, from EEUU de Venezuela (United States of Venezuela) to República de Venezuela (Republic of Venezuela). This change is reflected on all banknotes after 1953 on the reverse side inside the Coat of Arms. Note that SCWPM makes no distinction of such name change.

Physical characteristics

Size
156 × 69 mm
Shape
Rectangular
Material
Paper

Technical characteristics

Printer
American Banknote Corporation (American Bank Note Company), United States (1795-date)
Currency
Bolivar (1879-2007)
Signatures
Jesús Herrera Mendoza (JHM) (President of Central Bank) Xavier Lopez Bello (XLB) (First Vice-President of Central Bank) Loynaz Sucre (LS) (First Vice-President of Central Bank) José Joaquín González Gorrondona (JJGG) (First Vice-President of Central Bank)
Demonetized
Yes
Issuing bank
Central Bank of Venezuela

Design

Obverse
Red on multicolor underprint. On the right, portrait of Simon Bolivar inside an oval from unknown author; in the center, the denomination value "500", with the denomination and the payment clause below. On the top, the issuer name; in each corner the denomination value "500".
Reverse
Red print. On the left, inside a circle, the Coat of Arms. On the right, the denomination value "500". On the top, the issuer name; on the bottom, the denomination in words and the denomination value "500" above.
Obverse lettering
BANCO CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA / CARACAS / 500 / QUINIENTOS BOLÍVARES / PAGADEROS AL PORTADOR / EN LAS OFICINAS DEL BANCO / FECHA / MAYO 9-1946 / AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY
Reverse lettering
BANCO CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA / 500 / QUINIENTOS BOLÍVARES

Identification

Value
500 Bolivars (500 bolívares)
Dates recorded
1943-1946
Distinguishing features
Printed date and signature combination separate sub-varieties
Catalogue number to match
Pick 36

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Research required
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

  • Standard Catalog of World Paper Money (Pick)P36
  • NumistaN# 473666

Research required

  • Confirm date and signature varieties against the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money.
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