...Cuba - 1000 Pesos 2025 Commemrative 65th Year Of Cuban Banking System (1960-2025)

 

República de Cuba
(Republic of Cuba)

Banco Central De Cuba (Est.1997)

(Central Bank of Cuba, previously National Bank of Cuba est.1948)
Currency - Peso (CUP)

This is a commemorative note dated 2025 and is issued to celebrate the country's 65 Years of Cuban Banking System (1960-2025). This note was reportedly issued officially on 21.10.2025. 

Whilst this note was issued to celebrate the country's 65th year of banking system, it is not much of a banking system or celebration as all banks in Cuba were nationalised in October 1960. The nationalisation of all banks in Cuba commenced on 17.09.1960, started with the three major US owned banks, namely - The National City Bank of New York, Chase Manhattan Bank (was then known as Chase National Bank) and Bank of Boston. The rest of the remaining banks were nationalised on 13.10.1960. However, two foreign banks were not initially included in this nationalisation programme, namely The Royal Bank of Canada and Bank of Nova Scotia. Despite this concession, these two banks later closed their operations in Cuba and both were acquired by the Cuban state by the end of 1960. 

It was reported that public opinions on this new note were mixed and some criticised the relevance of this commemorative note and the cost of printing of this note. Opinions on this note including the questions of having this new note issued without backing can only worsen the current rampant inflation that the country is already experiencing, and if this note was issued to celebrate the country's 65th year of economic disaster. Obviously the majority of the comments were directed to the current Cuban economy and the need for such notes and the cost associated with issuing a newly designed note. I wonder if new stock for the 1000 pesos banknotes are needed but even then, the authority can still use the previous design and simply just add a commemorative logo on it, rather than redesigning the reverse side of the note, which would cost the bank extra to produce them. 

 

One Thousand Pesos 

 

Front - The design on the front is the same as the current 1000 pesos note printed with the portrait of Julio Antonio Mella McPartland (b.1903-1929). McPartland was a Cuban political activist, journalist and a communist revolutionary. He was also one of the founding members of the Communist Party of Cuba. He was assassinated in 1929, while walking on his way home late at night in Mexico City Mexico. At the time of his assassination, he was walking with photographer Tina Modotti, and after the assassination, the Mexican government tried to implicate her in the murder by defaming her in public with the help of the Americans. Until today, the McPartland murder case is still unresolved. McPartland is related to Matias Ramon Mella Castillo (paternal grandfather b.1816-1864), the founding father of the Dominican Republic. The commemorative logo and text - Sistema Bancario Cubano are printed on the note. 

Signature - Juana Lilia Delgado (since 2024)

Watermarks - Julio Antonio Mella McPartland and electrotype 1000

Date - ANO 2025

Size - 150mm x 69mm

Back - Unlike the normal 1000 pesos in circulation, the design on the back for this commemorative is completely new. The design depicts the Sculpture Complex (Che Guevara Mausoleum) dedicated to Commander Ernesto 'Che 'Guevara (b.1928-1967) in Santa Clara which replaced the previous design of the University of Havana. Che Guevara was born Argentinian and is famous around the world. He was the president of the National Bank of Cuba from 1959 to 1961 and then the Minister of Industries from 1961 to 1965. In 1967, he joined the Bolivia National liberation Army fighting against the Bolivia government. He was then wounded and captured on 08.10.1967 in the jungle near La Higuera in Bolivia and executed by the Bolivian army (Bolivian angers) the next day. He was shot by the Bolivian Army warrant Officer Sergeant Mario Teran Salazar (b.1942-2022). It was reported the order for the execution of Che Guevara came from the CIA. In all, Salazar fired a total of 9 shots at Che Guevara, first hitting his arms and legs and then his chest that finally killed him. It appears that Che Guevara was made to suffer first by the executioner before his execution. 

The Che Guevara Mausoleum was built and completed in 1988. The mausoleum housed the remains of Che Guevara and 29 fellow combatants all killed in 1967 during Guevara's armed uprising in Bolivia. The mausoleum has a 22-foot statue of Guevara standing on a concrete pillar. Guevara's remains were discovered and exhumed and returned to Cuba and was buried in the mausoleum in 1997 with full military honors. 

The note on the back is only printed with a mono colour. The commemorative logo is also printed on the bottom left corner, and because the back is printed in mono colour, it is not easy to spot this unless you have a closer look. This note is still printed with white borders on all sides, one of the very few countries still printing banknotes in such a manner. 

It should be noted that Fildel Alejandro Castro Ruz (b.1926-2016) and his revolutionary force captured Havana that led to the overthrow of Fugencio Batista y Zaldivar's government on 01.01.1959. On 02.01.1959, Castro appointed Guevara as the commander of the La Cabana Fortress prison and he was in charge with the purging of Batista's army or anyone that were considered as the enemies of the revolution. In doing so, Guevara ordered the executions of those he considered as traitors, informants or committed war criminals. 

The reason I added some of the stories above is that every banknote tells a thousand words. Every banknote designed has a meaning to it and whilst not all agree or disagree to it, only the opinions of the locals matter, and even that, there are still no right or wrong answers but just opinions. Please note that I am either pro or anti any countries or any individuals here.

 

It was reported back in December 2025 that the Central Bank is in the process to authorise foreign banknotes as legal tender currencies in Cuba. In reality, foreign banknotes have been openly acceptable as payment by private businesses for quite a while now and often get change in pesos. The most common foreign currencies used in Cuba are the USD, Euro and Canadian dollar. The exchange rates offered by those private businesses are always better than the official exchanges.   

...Poland - 20 Zlotych 2025 Commemorative 1000th Year Coronation of Boleslaw I First King of Poland Hybrid

Rzeczpospolita Polska
(Republic of Poland)

Naradowy Bank Polski
(National Bank of Poland, Est.1945)
Currency - Zloty (PLN)

 

Here is another commemorative note of 20 zlotych officially released on 05.11.2025. Like all previous commemorative notes issued, this one is also released in a simple folder and is not intended for general circulation, as this note is sold at a premium. In addition to these banknotes, commemorative coins minted in gold and silver were also released in April 2025 honoring the reign and coronation of Boleslaw the Brave. 

This is the 17th commemorative banknote issued by the National Bank of Poland since 2006. The bank has the ability to issue commemorative banknotes as the country has not adopted the Euro Currency system yet. The country has not set a target to do so, and as long as they have their own currency, we may see more commemorative notes coming out of the central bank. 

At the moment, the only country that has issued more commemorative banknotes than Poland is Transnistria. However, Transnistria is not a recognised nation, so technically, Poland is the only country in Europe that has released the most commemorative banknotes so far. 

I must say that I was a bit surprised when I received this note as to me, this is a large size note for a face value of 20 zlotych. I am just wondering why they decided to print this commemorative note in such a large size as all previous commemorative notes issued since 2006 are all much smaller. 

 

Twenty Zlotych (Hybrid)

Front - This note commemorates the 1000th year of the Coronation of Boleslaw I, King of Poland. According to legend, he died two months after his coronation on 17.06.1025. At the time of this death, he was 58 years old. The front of the note depicts the portrait of Boleslaw I the Brave (b.967-1025) with his right hand clutching a sword. I believe this image is derived from a portrait painting by Marcello Baciarelli completed in c.1770. Boleslaw I is also known as Boleslaw the Great and was the first King of Poland. The current 20 zlotych circulating note is also printed with his image on the front. Boleslaw was the son of Poland's first Christian ruler Duke Mieszko. Boleslaw inherited his father's realm in 992. 

Whilst to me it is a bit strange to see a country which is now a Republic, yet celebrating a past Monarch figure on a banknote. However, this is not the first time that this is happening as many previous issues were the same including many commemorative coins issued too.

Signatures

President (Prezes) - Adam Glapinski (since 2016)

Chief Treasurer (Główny Skarbnik) - Barbara Jaroszek (since 2017)

Sizes - 171mm x 85mm

Watermarks - im­age of a fragment of the bordure of the Gniezno Doors and the notation of the coronation year of Boleslaus the Brave (electrotype 1025)

Quantity - 70,000 sets

Issue price - 160 zlotych

Period of sale - until 05.11.2028 unless all sold out prior

Hybrid

Back - To the left is an image of a silver coin struct under Boleslaw I the Brave. The design of this coin depicts the silhouette of a crowned eagle bird and the inscription Prince Polonie. To the right it features the Lance of Saint Maurice. In the middle it depicts a section of the Gniezno doors, which adorn the entrance to the cathedral in Gniezno.

A full list of all commemorative note folder issues since 2006

2006 - 50zl Karol Wojtyla aka Pope John Paul ll : qty 2.0M (i/p 90zl)

2008 - 10zl Josef Pilsudski : qty 80,000 (i/p 15zl) 

2009 - 20zl Poet Julius Slowacki : qty 80,000 (i/p 80zl)

2009 - 20zl Frederic Francois Chopin : qty 120,000 (i/p 50zl)

2011 - 20zl Marie Sklodowska Curie : qty 60,000 (i/p 60zl)

2014 - 20zl Josef Pilsudski [polymer] : qty 60,000 (i/p 50zl)

2015 - 20zl Jan Dlugosz : qty 30,000 (i/p 72zl)

2016 - 20zl Doubravka of Bohemia & King Miezko : qty 35,000 (i/p 75zl)

2017 - 20zl Our Lady of Czestochowa : qty 55,000 (i/p 60zl)

2018 - 20zl Josef Pilsudski : qty 50,000 (i/p 75zl)

2019 - 19zl Polska Wytwornia Papierow Wartosciowych [hybrid] : qty 55,000 (i/p 80zl)

2020 - 20zl Josef Pilsudski : qty 60,000 (i/p 80zl)

2021 - 20zl Lech Kaczynski : qty 80,000 (i/p 100zl)

2022 - 20zl Protection of the Eastern Front : qty 80,000 (i/p 50zl)

2023 - 20zl Nicolaus Copernicus [polymer]: qty 100,000 (i/p 160zl)

2009 - 20zl Frederic Francois Chopin : qty 120,000 (i/p 50zl)

2011 - 20zl Marie Sklodowska Curie : qty 60,000 (i/p 60zl)

2014 - 20zl Josef Pilsudski [polymer] : qty 60,000 (i/p 50zl)

2015 - 20zl Jan Dlugosz : qty 30,000 (i/p 72zl)

2016 - 20zl Doubravka of Bohemia & King Miezko : qty 35,000 (i/p 75zl)

2017 - 20zl Our Lady of Czestochowa : qty 55,000 (i/p 60zl)

2018 - 20zl Josef Pilsudski : qty 50,000 (i/p 75zl)

2019 - 19zl Polska Wytwornia Papierow Wartosciowych [hybrid]: qty 55,000 (i/p 80zl)

2020 - 20zl Josef Pilsudski : qty 60,000 (i/p 80zl)

2021 - 20zl Lech Kaczynski : qty 80,000 (i/p 100zl)

2022 - 20zl Protection of the Eastern Front : qty 80,000 (i/p 50zl)

2023 - 20zl Nicolaus Copernicus [polymer]: qty 100,000 (i/p 160zl)

2024 - 20zl Warsaw Uprising 1944-2024: qty 80,000 (i/p 140zl)

2025 - 20zl 1000th Anni. [hybrid] of the Coronation of Boleslaus the Brave: qty 70,000 (i/p 160zl)  

...Transnistria - 1 Ruble ND2025 Commemorative 35th Year of the Formation of Transnistria

Република Молдовеняскэ Нистрянэ

Приднестровская Молдавская Республика

(Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic)

 

Transnistrian Republican Bank (Est.1992)

Currency : Ruble (RUP)

And there are more to come!

This is the 30th commemorative note issued by Transnistria since 2009. Like previous issues, the designs are the same but with the commemorative logo added to the watermark area of the banknote. 

Transnistria, officially known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic and to the locals simply as Pridnestrovie, is a landlocked breakaway state internationally recognised as part of Moldova. This note celebrates the 35 years of declaration of independence from Moldavian SSR (now Moldova) on 2nd September 1990.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1990, the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (Transnistria) was established, hoping that they would still be part of Russia should Moldova decide to seek unification with Romania. Moldova then became independent in 1991, and shortly after that arms conflict started between the two parties (Transnistris and Moldova) in March 1992. Ceasefire was declared in July 1992, but the dispute is still unresolved until today. 

Despite declaring independence in 1990, apart from Russia, hardly any other countries recognised the independence of Transnistria, except for Abkhazia and South Ossetia. However, both Abkhazia and South Ossetia are also disputed territories themselves and both are considered as part of Georgia by the rest of the world.

Like those previously commemorative issued, only 2,500 pieces are printed with 2,490 issued in a booklet. The Transnistria Ruble is not negotiable outside its territory. 

One Ruble 

Front - The format and design of this note is similar to the 2012 series. A portrait of the Russian General Alexander Vassilyevich Suvorov (b.1730-1800) in military uniform. General Suvorav was a Russian born military hero holding the rank of Field Marshal Generalissimo. He was born in Moscow and joined the army at the age of 17 and was promoted to the rank of colonel when he was 32 years old. By 1787, he was then promoted to the rank of General. During his lifetime, he was involved in at least 57 battles/wars with the majority of these conflicts ending in victory in his favour. He died at the age of 70 years old and was buried in the city of St Petersburg. He was the fourth Generalissimo of Russia.

To the right of the note where the watermark area is, is printed with the map of Transnistria (commemorative logo). The map is divided into seven districts illustrated in the colours of the flag of Transnistria. Next to the map, is the commemorative text:-

"35 ЛЕТ ПМР"

(35 YEARS OF THE PMR)  

Signature - N/A

Date: 2012 (2025 issue)

Watermarks - Alexander Vassilyevich Suvorov and electrotype ПРБ

Quantity - 2,500 pieces issued with 2,490 in booklet

Dimensions - 129mm x 56mm

Back - Kitskansk Bridgehead memorial or Chiţcani monument in Chitcani. This monument was built in 1972 (opened 09.05.1972) to commemorate victory against the German's invasion during the Second World War in 1944. Chitcani is situated north of Tiraspol, the capital city of Transnistria.  

Front Cover

List of all Commemorative notes issued since 2009

 

2009 - 15 Years of National Currency;

2014 - 20 Years of National Currency, 2020 sets (4 notes);

2015 - 70 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (WWll), 7070 sets, 2000 sets in folders (2 notes);

2015 - 25 Years of Transnistria Republic, 2525 sets, 2000 sets in folders (4 notes);

2017 - 100 Years of the Great October Socialist Revolution, 5,000 sets, 2017 sets in folders (2 notes);

2017 - 100 Year of KGB/State Security Bodies, 2500 sets in folders;

2017 - 100 Years of Police Force, 2500 sets in folders;

2018 - 100 Years of Border Troops, 2500 sets, 1000 sets in folder;

2018 - 100 Years of Armed Force/State Police, 2500 sets, 1000 sets in folders (Text - 27 Yrs of the Armed Forces of the PMR);

2019 - 30 Years of Soviet Troops withdrawing from Afghanistan, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 75th Anniversary Years of Liberation from Nazi Invaders, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 75th Anniversary of Jassy-Kishinev Operation, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 25 Years of National Currency, 200000 pieces, 2500 sets in folders (2 notes);

2020 - 75 Years of End of World War ll (1945-2020), 2500 sets in folders;

2020 - 30th Year of Formation of Transdniestr, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders;

2021 - 30th Anniversary of the First PMR bank, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders issued;

2021 - 30th Anniversary of the PMR Financial System, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders;

2023 - 100th Year of the 2023 - 100th Year of Gold Chervonets, 2500 sets, 2490 sets in folders;

2024 - 30th Anniversary of the Pridnestrovian Ruble, 1,500 sets, 1,490 sets in folders;

2024 - 100th Year of Formation of the MASSR, 1,500 sets, 1,490 sets in folders;

2025 - 80th Year of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (WWII 1939-1945), 2,490 sets;

2025 - 35th Year of the Formation of Transnistria, 2,500 sets, 2490 sets in folder 

 

...Mexico - 2024-2025 Full Set Banco de Mexico 100th Years Commemorative 1925-2025

Estados Unidos Mexicanos

(United Mexican States)

Banco de Mexico (est.1925)
(Bank of Mexico)
Currency : Peso (MXN) 

Below is a full set of five notes issued between 2024 and 2025 commemorating the central bank's 100th Anniversary 1925 to 2025.

Banco de Mexico (Bank of Mexico) was established on 1st of September 1925 with its current head office located in the capital city of Mexico. Only five notes have been issued for this commemorative series as the 20 pesos note is not included. The designs for all five notes are the same as all current series in circulation but with commemorative text/logo printed (as above) to celebrate this special occasion. Like the current series, both the 50 and 100 pesos are printed on polymer substrate materials.

Whilst I have posted a full set of five notes, in reality, a complete set consists of 25 notes as in Mexico each denomination issued comes with 5 signature varieties. All banknotes are signed with the bank governor and counters signed by one board member of the central bank and all the five board member's signatures are not the same. This is one of the reasons that collecting Mexico banknotes in full sets is very difficult especially for those not residing in the country. Whilst some dealers may stock them in full sets with all five signature varieties for the lower note denominations, it is hard and expensive to get the 500 and 1000 pesos notes in full sets, and for this reason, I have decided just to have one denomination each. Sadly to say, the signatures on all of my five notes are not the same. It would be better if they were, as it would look nicer. 

Fifty Pesos (Polymer)

Front - Image of the foundation of Tenochtitlan, which is now the capital city of Mexico, Mexico city. This is a historical site and was reported as being first founded in 1325. Underneath is the image of an eagle standing on a cactus plant.

Signatures - Victoria Rodriguez Ceja and Isabel Morales Pasantes

Date - Ciudad de México, 27 Jun. 2024

Sizes - 65mm x 147.5mm 

Back - scene of an axolotl swimming in Xochimilco lake. This is one weird looking creature and can be found in several lakes in Mexico. 

One Hundred Pesos (Polymer)

Front - Juana Inés de la Cruz (b.1648-1695). Her birth name was Dona Ines de Asbaje y Ramirez de Santillana. During her lifetime, she was a nun, a writer, poet and a musician composer too. Image of Patio of the "Antiguo Colegio" San Ildefonso. This building is now used as a museum and cultural center in Mexico City. Originally it was established in 1588 as a Jesuit boarding school. This was dissolved in 1978 and turned it into a museum.  

Signatures - Jonathan Heath Constable and Isabel Morales Pasantes

Date - Ciudad de México, 27 Jun. 2024

Sizes - 65mm x 132mm 

Back - rain forest with Monarch butterflies flying around persuasively from the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt pine-oak forests ecoregion in central Mexico.

Two Hundred Pesos (Paper)

Front - Campana de Dolores (Bell of Dolores) which was used to call upon the population and start the independence movement in Dolores Hidalgo, Don Miguel Gregorio Antonio Francisco Ignacio Hidalgo-Costilla y Gallaga Mandarte Villaseñor (priest 1753-1811) who started the Mexico's War of Independence in Dolores Hidalgo and José María Teclo Morelos Pérez y Pavón (1765-1815) who assumed the leadership of the independent movement after the death of Hidalgo;

Signatures - Galia Borja Gomez and Isabel Morales Pasantes

Date - Ciudad de México, 27 Jun. 2024

Watermarks - Bell and electrotype 200

Sizes - 139.5mm x 65mm 

Back - Royal eagle, Biosphere of El Pinacate (desert) and Gran Desierto de Altar in Sonora UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Five Hundred Pesos (Paper)

Front - Portrait of Benito Pablo Juarez Garcia (b.1806-1872) was the 26th president of Mexico. He was appointed to the post from 1858 until his death in 1872. To his left is the sScene of Brnito Jusrez entering Mexico City.

Signatures - Victoria Rodriguez Ceja and Isabel Morales Pasantes

Date - Ciudad de México, 27 Jun. 2024 

Watermarks - Benito Juarez and electrotype 500

Sizes - 146mm x 65mm 

Back - The main design depicts the view of El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve with a whale swimming with her calf. The Reserve was created in 1988 and is located in Mulege Municipality in northern Baja California Sur (peninsula).

 

One Thousand Pesos (Paper)

Front - Portraits of Maria del Carmen Serdan Alatriste (b.1875-1948, was a Mexican revolutionary), Hermila Galinda Acosta (b.1886-1954, was a Mexican ferminist and writer) and Francisco Ignacio Madero Gnzalez (b.1873-1913, was a Mexican businessman, revolutionary, writer, politician and statesman and was the 37th president of Mexico from 1911 to 1913). A steam locomotive is printed in the background on the left next to the portrait of Carmen Serdan, 

Signatures - Jonathan Heath Constable and Isabel Morales Pasantes

Watermarks - Portrait of Francisco Ignacio Madero and electrotype 1000

Date - Ciudad de México, 12 Mar. 2025

Sizes - 153mm x 65mm 

Back - The main design on the back depicts a jaguar presumably hunting in the jungle. To the right is the ruins of the Mayan temple Calakmul.

...Papua New Guinea - 50 Kina 2025 Commemorative 50th Year of Independence

Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Bank of Papua New Guinea (Est.1973)

Currency - Kina (PGK)

 

Here, I have posted the 50 kina polymer note issued commemorating the country's 50th year of gaining independence from Australia. This note was reportedly released on 28.08.2025 to the public for circulation.

 

Papua New Guinea achieved independence on 16.09.1975 after almost 57 years of under the Australian administration. Papua New Guinea was given to Australia's rule after the end of World War I. Prior to that, the country was divided into two, with the German occupying the top half of present-day Papua New Guinea and the British occupying the bottom half. In 1902, the British ceded their control to Australia and after the defeat of the German in the First World War, the part that was occupied by the German prior the war was then handed over to the Australia control. 

 

Since gaining independence, numerous banknotes have been released to celebrate the country's independence: -  

 

1995 - 2 kina 20th Anniversary of Independence

2000 - Full set 25th Anniversary of Independence 

2010 - Full set 35th Anniversary of Independence

2015 - 20 kina 40th Anniversary of Independence

 

The design for this 50 kina commemorative note is very similar to the current 50 kina normal circulating note but with added commemorative features mainly on the front.

 

Fifty Kina

 

Front - Coat of Arms, a flying Bird of Paradise, with Papua New Guinea's parliament in the background. The independence logo of 50 is printed next to the parliament building. Below are two butterflies flying.

 

Governor - Elizabeth W Genia (tenure 2023-)

Secretary, Department of Treasury - Andrew F Oaeke (tenure 2021-)

Sizes - 145.5mm x 70mm

 

Back - Portrait of Sir Michael Somare (b.1936-2021); spears from Sepik; shield and mask from New Ireland; leaf and pointed Tubuan face mask from New Britain; headdress from the Highlands; mask and costume from Sepik River. No security thread.