Cuba Drops New 1,000-Peso Commemorative: What Collectors Need to Know
Cuba is celebrating a significant milestone with fresh paper. On October 21, 2025, the Central Bank of Cuba confirmed the release of a new commemorative 1,000-peso note (B920a). The release marks the 65th anniversary of the modern Cuban banking system (Sistema Bancario Cubano), a pivotal moment in the nation’s post-revolutionary history. This isn’t just a reprint; it’s a dedicated commemorative issue packed with political symbolism, from the founder of the internationalized Communist Party on the front to Che Guevara’s mausoleum on the back. For collectors, it’s a snapshot of modern Cuba’s identity printed on paper.
• Denomination: 1,000 pesos (CUP)
• Theme: 65th Anniversary of the Cuban Banking System (1960-2025)
• Key Figures: Julio Antonio Mella (front), Ernesto “Che” Guevara (reverse imagery)
• Catalogue Number: B920a (BanknoteNews)
• Series/Date: Series JF-05, dated 2025
Cuba 1,000 Pesos (B920a) — Technical Specifications
A classic paper build with modern security touches.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Denomination & Type | 1,000 pesos (CUP), Commemorative Issue |
| Value (Oct 2025) | Face value approx. US$38 |
| Dimensions & Substrate | 150 x 70 mm; Paper |
| Color Palette | Red, orange, and brown |
| Obverse (Front) | Portrait of Julio Antonio Mella McPartland (founder of the “internationalized” Cuban Communist Party), logos for the Central Bank and the Cuban Banking System. |
| Reverse (Back) | The Commander Ernesto Guevara Sculpture Complex in Santa Clara, a major national monument and mausoleum for Che Guevara and fellow combatants. |
| Security Thread | Windowed security thread with demetalized BCC 1000. |
| Watermark | Portrait of Julio Antonio Mella and an electrotype 1000. |
| Printer | Impresos de Seguridad (Cuban state security printer). |
| Signatures | Signature 6: Juana Lilia Delgado Portal (Minister-President of the Central Bank). |
| Date & Series | a. 2025. Series JF-05. |
Technical specifications confirmed by BanknoteNews, courtesy of Yigal Arkin. The 1,000-peso denomination was first introduced in 2010 and has become a staple of Cuba’s modern currency system after the 2021 monetary unification.
Collector’s Angle: A Politically Charged Note
More than just paper, this is a statement of ideology.
Ideological Symbolism
This isn’t a neutral commemorative. Featuring Julio Antonio Mella (a key figure in early Cuban communism) and Che Guevara’s mausoleum, the note is a deliberate celebration of the country’s revolutionary identity. This political weight makes it a fascinating piece for thematic collectors.
A New Signature to Track
The note is signed by Juana Lilia Delgado Portal, who has been signing other denominations since late 2023. Her signature on this specific commemorative issue (B920a) creates a unique combination that variety collectors will need for a complete modern Cuban set.
The Importance of “Commemorative” Status
Unlike regular issues, commemorative notes are often printed in smaller quantities and for a limited time. While the 1,000-peso note has been in circulation since 2010, this specific 65th-anniversary version is a distinct release. Expect it to carry a higher premium than standard 1,000-peso notes in the secondary market.
Part of a Trend
Cuba has a history of using currency for anniversaries. Previous commemoratives celebrated the “45th anniversary of central banking” (1995) and the “500th Anniversary of Havana” (2019). This B920a note continues that tradition, making it a must-have for collectors specializing in Cuban or anniversary-themed banknotes.
FAQ — Cuba 1,000 Pesos Commemorative (B920a)
Is this a new denomination for Cuba?
No. The 1,000-peso denomination has been in circulation since 2010. This is a special commemorative version of that note.
What anniversary does it celebrate?
It commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Cuban Banking System (Sistema Bancario Cubano), which was established following the 1959 revolution.
Who are the figures on the note?
The front features Julio Antonio Mella, a founder of the Cuban Communist Party. The back depicts the mausoleum complex dedicated to Ernesto “Che” Guevara in Santa Clara.
What is the approximate value of the note?
Its face value is 1,000 Cuban pesos (CUP), which is roughly US$38 as of October 2025. The collector market value for an uncirculated example will likely be higher, estimated at $45-$60 in the initial months.
Is this note made of polymer?
No. The B920a is printed on traditional paper substrate by Cuba’s state security printer, Impresos de Seguridad.
Sources & References
- BanknoteNews — Cuba new commemorative 1,000-peso note (B920a) confirmed
- MRI Guide — Cuba – 65th Anniversary of the Banking System banknote
- Wikipedia — Cuban Peso (CUP)
- Foronum — Banknotes Catalog of Cuba
- ATS Notes — Historical Cuban Commemorative Issues
All information cross-referenced with BanknoteNews official confirmation and numismatic catalogs. Courtesy of Yigal Arkin for the initial report.
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