Bolivia’s Series B is a complete family of five circulating banknotes issued during 2025 in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 bolivianos. The designs remain deliberately familiar, but the paper, security thread, tactile printing and machine-readable protection have been upgraded.
At first glance, Series B looks like Series A wearing a freshly ironed shirt. The historical figures, colours, landscapes, animals and plants remain largely unchanged. Underneath, however, the notes have received a serious technical overhaul designed to make them more durable, easier to authenticate and substantially more irritating to counterfeiters.
Quick answer
What are Bolivia Series B banknotes? They are improved versions of Bolivia’s First Family of Banknotes, issued in 2025. The 100 and 200 bolivianos entered circulation in June, followed by the 10, 20 and 50 bolivianos on 15 October 2025. They retain the principal designs of Series A while introducing stronger security features and more durable cotton paper.
Are Bolivia Series B Banknotes Still Valid?
Yes. Bolivia Series B banknotes remain legal tender. On 28 February 2026, the Banco Central de Bolivia temporarily suspended the validity of all Series B Bs10, Bs20 and Bs50 notes following an aircraft accident involving a shipment of banknotes.
After identifying the serial numbers transported on the aircraft, the BCB restored full legal validity to ordinary Series B Bs10, Bs20 and Bs50 notes from 2 March 2026.
Only the specific serial numbers belonging to the affected shipment remain invalid. The Bs100 and Bs200 denominations were not included in this restriction.
Collector advice: always verify the complete serial number before buying a Series B Bs10, Bs20 or Bs50 note.
Check Series B information with the Banco Central de Bolivia
Bolivia Series B: Quick Facts
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What Is Bolivia’s Series B?
Series B is the second version of Bolivia’s First Family of Banknotes of the Plurinational State. It is not an entirely new artistic family. Instead, the Banco Central de Bolivia retained the denominations, principal colours, dimensions and cultural themes introduced with Series A.
The purpose of the new series was primarily technical. The BCB wanted better protection against counterfeiting, longer circulation life, clearer printing and security features that ordinary users could check through touch, sight, light and movement.
It is the banknote equivalent of keeping a successful car design while replacing the locks, electronics, upholstery and half the machinery beneath the bonnet. Familiar enough not to confuse the public, but improved where it matters.
Official “Billetes de Bolivia” App
The Banco Central de Bolivia also launched the official Billetes de Bolivia mobile application in March 2026.
The app allows users to verify whether the serial number of a Bs10, Bs20 or Bs50 Series B banknote belongs to one of the invalidated ranges.
According to the BCB, the verification feature can continue to work without an internet connection once the application has been installed.
Optional Exchange of Series B Notes
From 16 March 2026, the Banco Central de Bolivia also offered an optional exchange mechanism for Series B Bs10, Bs20 and Bs50 notes through the BCB and the financial system. This does not mean that valid Series B notes lost legal tender status; the exchange was introduced as an optional measure for the public.
Bolivia Series B Release Timeline
| Denomination | Release | Predominant colour | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bs100 | June 2025 | Red | Legal tender |
| Bs200 | June 2025 | Brown | Legal tender |
| Bs10 | 15 October 2025 | Blue | Legal tender, serial verification recommended |
| Bs20 | 15 October 2025 | Orange | Legal tender, serial verification recommended |
| Bs50 | 15 October 2025 | Violet | Legal tender, serial verification recommended |
The release was divided into two phases. The larger 100 and 200 bolivianos notes arrived first in June 2025. The lower denominations followed on 15 October, completing the five-note family.
All Five Bolivia Series B Banknotes
10 Bolivianos Series B
The blue 10 bolivianos is the smallest denomination in the family. Its obverse retains the portraits of José Santos Vargas, Apiaguaiki Tüpa and Eustaquio Méndez, figures connected to different chapters of resistance and Bolivian history.
The reverse continues the environmental and geographical narrative of Series A, including the Isla del Pescado landscape, the giant hummingbird and the Puya raimondii. Under ultraviolet light, the Puya and denomination reveal fluorescent effects, while tricolour fibres and other hidden elements assist authentication.
- Predominant colour: Blue
- Obverse figures: José Santos Vargas, Apiaguaiki Tüpa and Eustaquio Méndez
- Reverse themes: Isla del Pescado, giant hummingbird and Puya raimondii
- Release: 15 October 2025
- Collector focus: UNC condition, early serials, replacement notes and verified serial numbers
20 Bolivianos Series B
The orange 20 bolivianos retains Genoveva Ríos, Tomás Katari and Pedro Ignacio Muiba on its obverse. Together they represent patriotic resistance, indigenous leadership and opposition to colonial authority.
The reverse continues Bolivia’s combination of heritage, wildlife and native vegetation. Its most recognisable botanical element is the toborochi tree, which also produces a distinctive response under ultraviolet examination.
- Predominant colour: Orange
- Obverse figures: Genoveva Ríos, Tomás Katari and Pedro Ignacio Muiba
- Reverse theme: Bolivian heritage, fauna and the toborochi tree
- Release: 15 October 2025
- Collector focus: Security-thread movement, signatures and serial-number status
50 Bolivianos Series B
The predominantly violet 50 bolivianos honours José Manuel Baca, better known as Cañoto, Bruno Racua and Pablo Zárate Willka. The portraits bring together independence-era struggle, indigenous resistance and the defence of Bolivian territory.
Its reverse retains cultural and natural subjects from the previous design, including royal quinoa. Under ultraviolet light, the quinoa and denomination display fluorescent reactions that complement the note’s tricolour fibres and security thread.
- Predominant colour: Violet
- Obverse figures: José Manuel Baca, Bruno Racua and Pablo Zárate Willka
- Reverse theme: National heritage, wildlife and royal quinoa
- Release: 15 October 2025
- Collector focus: Full-series sets, fancy serials and verified accident-related ranges
100 Bolivianos Series B
The red 100 bolivianos was one of the first Series B denominations placed into circulation. Its design preserves the historical and indigenous personalities already established on Series A, including Juana Azurduy de Padilla, Alejo Calatayud and Antonio José de Sucre.
The reverse combines national heritage and biodiversity, including the Flor de Patujú. Under ultraviolet light, the flower, denomination, security thread, signatures and serial numbers produce different fluorescent responses.
- Predominant colour: Red
- Obverse figures: Juana Azurduy de Padilla, Alejo Calatayud and Antonio José de Sucre
- Reverse theme: Bolivian heritage, biodiversity and the Flor de Patujú
- Release: June 2025
- Collector focus: First-phase issue, new signature combination and improved security thread
200 Bolivianos Series B
The brown 200 bolivianos is the highest denomination in the circulating family. It retains Bartolina Sisa, Túpac Katari and Simón Bolívar, combining indigenous resistance with the broader struggle for South American independence.
The reverse continues the design language of Series A with archaeological, natural and national imagery, including the kantuta flower. Its higher face value and early position in the Series B rollout make it one of the principal targets for complete modern Bolivia collections.
- Predominant colour: Brown
- Obverse figures: Bartolina Sisa, Túpac Katari and Simón Bolívar
- Reverse theme: Archaeological heritage, native fauna and the kantuta flower
- Release: June 2025
- Collector focus: Highest denomination, first-phase release and complete matching sets
Series A vs Series B: What Changed?
| Feature | Series A | Series B |
|---|---|---|
| Core design | Original First Family design | Principal design retained |
| Paper | 100% cotton | 100% cotton with stain-resistant treatment |
| Security thread | Earlier colour-changing technology | Dynamic two-colour movement effect |
| Raised printing | Standard intaglio elements | More extensive and clearer high-relief printing |
| Fluorescent fibres | Security fibres present | Improved tricolour fluorescent fibres |
| Machine authentication | Standard machine-readable protection | Magnetic and infrared inks |
| Signatures | Earlier combinations | Roger Edwin Rojas Ulo and Rubén Gonzalo Ticona Chique |
| Printer | Oberthur Fiduciaire | Crane Currency, Malta |
Collector identification: do not rely only on the main artwork. Check the signature combination, security thread, printing details and precise catalogue attribution before purchasing a note advertised as Series B.
Security Features of Bolivia Series B
The series was developed around four practical actions: touch the note, look at it, hold it to the light and tilt it. This is considerably more useful than asking the public to carry a laboratory and a suspicious-looking microscope into the supermarket.
- Cotton paper: all denominations use special 100% cotton paper with a stain-resistant treatment.
- Intaglio printing: portraits, denomination numerals, texts and selected elements have perceptible raised printing.
- Tactile marks: different patterns of raised lines and bars help visually impaired users distinguish denominations.
- Dynamic security thread: the thread produces colour changes and apparent movement when the note is tilted.
- Watermark: a portrait and pixelated complementary image become visible against light.
- See-through register: partial designs on both sides combine to form the denomination when viewed against light.
- Latent image: the denomination becomes visible when the banknote is held at an angle.
- Microtext: extremely small printed text assists authentication under magnification.
- Fluorescent fibres: embedded fibres show several colours under ultraviolet light.
- UV elements: selected plants, values, serial numbers and signatures fluoresce under ultraviolet examination.
- Magnetic and infrared inks: hidden machine-readable features support automated processing and authentication.
- Continuous design: selected reverse elements align when the opposite edges of the banknote are brought together.
How to Authenticate a Series B Banknote
- Touch the paper. Genuine cotton banknote paper has a distinctive texture and should not feel like ordinary glossy printing paper.
- Feel the raised areas. Run a finger across the portraits, bank name, value numerals and accessibility marks.
- Hold it against light. Check the watermark, pixelated image, see-through register and security thread.
- Tilt the note. Look for dynamic movement and colour changes in the security thread.
- Inspect the microtext. Under magnification, genuine microprinting should remain defined rather than dissolving into a decorative blur.
- Use ultraviolet light if available. Confirm the correct fibres and denomination-specific fluorescent elements.
- Check the serial number. This is particularly important for Series B notes of Bs10, Bs20 and Bs50.
Important 2026 Update: Invalid Series B Serial Numbers
Current status: Series B banknotes remain legal tender. However, certain serial numbers of the 10, 20 and 50 bolivianos denominations were permanently invalidated after an aircraft accident on 27 February 2026.
The aircraft was transporting batches of Series B banknotes when it crashed near El Alto. Some notes from the shipment left the authorities’ control. The Banco Central de Bolivia initially introduced a temporary precautionary suspension affecting Series B notes of Bs10, Bs20 and Bs50.
Full legal validity for ordinary Series B notes was restored from 2 March 2026. Only the precisely identified serial-number ranges belonging to the accident shipment remain invalid. The 100 and 200 bolivianos denominations were not part of this serial-number restriction.
The BCB subsequently created an official online serial-number verifier. A result of “NO OBSERVADO” means that the entered number does not match an invalidated range. A result of “OBSERVADO: NO válido” means that the note matches an invalidated range and has no legal value.
Collector advice: before buying a 10, 20 or 50 bolivianos Series B note, ask the seller for a clear photograph of the complete serial number and verify it through the BCB tool. A crisp UNC note with an invalidated serial number may be historically interesting, but it is not legal tender and requires careful provenance.
Are Series A Banknotes Still Valid?
Yes. The introduction of Series B did not immediately invalidate Series A. The Banco Central de Bolivia stated that Series A notes and valid notes from the earlier family could circulate alongside Series B until they reached the end of their useful life.
The transition is therefore gradual. Worn notes are removed through the banking system rather than being converted overnight into colourful bookmarks. Collectors do not need to treat Series A as demonetised, although crisp examples may become less common as circulation takes its usual physical revenge.
A complete 2025 Bolivia collection may therefore contain six distinct pieces: the five circulating Series B denominations and the separate Bicentennial commemorative note.
Series B and the Bicentennial Banknote Are Different
Purpose: Upgrade Bolivia’s regular circulation family
Material: Cotton paper
Role: Normal circulating currency
Denominations: Bs10, Bs20, Bs50, Bs100 and Bs200
Purpose: Celebrate 200 years of Bolivian independence
Material: Polymer
Role: Separate commemorative issue
Collector role: Companion piece to a complete 2025 Bolivia collection
How Much Are Bolivia Series B Banknotes Worth?
Valid circulated notes are primarily worth their face value in Bolivia. International collector prices can be higher because of condition, sourcing, serial numbers, shipping and dealer availability.
Asking prices are not the same as completed sales. A seller may ask the price of a small refrigerator for a fresh modern banknote; this does not mean anyone has actually paid it.
What Collectors Should Look For
- Complete denomination set: Bs10, Bs20, Bs50, Bs100 and Bs200.
- Matching condition: preferably five clean UNC notes without folds or handling marks.
- Correct signatures: Roger Edwin Rojas Ulo and Rubén Gonzalo Ticona Chique.
- Verified serial numbers: essential for Bs10, Bs20 and Bs50.
- Low serials: early numbers may command collector premiums.
- Fancy serials: radar, repeater, ladder and solid-number patterns can attract specialist interest.
- Consecutive groups: useful for collectors building modern issue runs.
- Series A comparison set: pairing each Series B denomination with its Series A predecessor creates a stronger technical collection.
- Bicentennial companion: add the separate 2025 commemorative polymer note for a broader year set.
Why Bolivia Series B Matters
Series B is a useful example of how modern banknote development often works. Central banks do not always demolish a successful design and begin again with a committee, several abstract shapes and a bird looking vaguely surprised. Sometimes the more sensible answer is to preserve public familiarity while improving everything beneath the artwork.
For collectors, the series offers multiple layers: a full five-note family, improved security technology, new signatures, strong indigenous and environmental themes, a separate Bicentennial companion issue and an extraordinary 2026 serial-number story.
That final chapter turns an otherwise straightforward technical update into something considerably more unusual. These notes are not simply Series A with better security. They are now attached to a documented event that requires collectors to distinguish between ordinary legal-tender examples and specific invalid serial ranges.
Bolivia Series B FAQ
What denominations are included in Bolivia Series B?
The complete Series B family contains five denominations: Bs10, Bs20, Bs50, Bs100 and Bs200.
When were Bolivia Series B banknotes issued?
The Bs100 and Bs200 notes entered circulation in June 2025. The Bs10, Bs20 and Bs50 followed on 15 October 2025.
Are Bolivia Series B banknotes still valid in 2026?
Yes. Series B banknotes remain legal tender. Only specific serial numbers of Bs10, Bs20 and Bs50 notes belonging to the shipment involved in the February 2026 aircraft accident remain invalid.
Why were some Series B banknotes invalidated?
Following an aircraft accident on 27 February 2026 involving a shipment of Series B notes, the Banco Central de Bolivia temporarily suspended Bs10, Bs20 and Bs50 Series B notes while it identified the affected serial numbers. Ordinary notes regained full legal validity from 2 March 2026.
How can I check a Bolivia Series B serial number?
The Banco Central de Bolivia provides an official online serial-number verifier and the Billetes de Bolivia mobile application for Bs10, Bs20 and Bs50 Series B notes.
Does the Billetes de Bolivia app work offline?
Yes. The Banco Central de Bolivia states that the serial-number verification function can operate without an internet connection once the application has been installed.
Are Bolivia Series B banknotes made from polymer?
No. The regular Series B notes are printed on 100% cotton paper with a stain-resistant treatment. Bolivia’s separate 2025 Bicentennial commemorative banknote is polymer.
Are Bolivia Series A banknotes still valid?
Yes. Valid Series A notes can continue to circulate alongside Series B while worn notes are gradually removed from circulation.
