1 Peso 1953, Commemorative, Cuba
| in Krause book | Number: 86a |
| Years of issue: | 1953 |
| Edition: | -- |
| Signatures: | Presidente del Banco: Joaquin Martinez Saenz, Ministro de Hazienda: Alejandro Herrera Arango |
| Serie: | No Serie |
| Specimen of: | 1953 |
| Material: | Cotton fiber |
| Size (mm): | 157 х 66 |
| Printer: | American Bank Note Company, New-York |
* All pictures marked 
are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image.
** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks.
Description
Watermark:
Avers:
The engraving on banknote is made after this image of José Martí.
José Julián Martí Pérez (January 28, 1853 - May 19, 1895) is a Cuban national hero and an important figure in Latin American literature. In his short life he was a poet, an essayist, a journalist, a revolutionary philosopher, a translator, a professor, a publisher, and a political theorist. He was also a part of the Cuban Freemasons. Through his writings and political activity, he became a symbol for Cuba's bid for independence against Spain in the 19th century, and is referred to as the "Apostle of Cuban Independence". He also wrote about the threat of United States expansionism into Cuba. From adolescence, he dedicated his life to the promotion of liberty, political independence for Cuba, and intellectual independence for all Spanish Americans; his death was used as a cry for Cuban independence from Spain by both the Cuban revolutionaries and those Cubans previously reluctant to start a revolt.
On the left side is the red seal of Cuban National Bank (star with Cuban coat of arms - please read Comments).
To the right from the center are: a feather pen and the book (a tribute to José Martí as a poet and writer), a saber - a tribute to the fighter for the independence of Cuba, the rose - the 100th anniversary of Jose Marti.
In the foreground is the "Manifesto of Montecristi".
The Manifesto of Montecristi is the official document of the Revolutionary Party in Cuba; it was written by José Martí and signed by himself and Máximo Gómez on March 25, 1895 in Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic. In this document, José Martí exposed the causes that lead Cuba to fight against Spain to become an independent nation, free from economic or military control by any outside source. The "Manifesto of Montecristi" also clarifies that the war of liberation was not against Spain itself, but against the colonial regime that existed on the island for more than three centuries.
Denominations in numerals and in words are on all sides of the banknote.
Revers:
On top is big map of Cuba.
The coat of arms is in center.
The Cuban Coat of Arms is the official heraldic symbol of Cuba. It consists of a shield, in front of a Fasces crowned by the Phrygian Cap, all supported by an oak branch on one side and a laurel wreath on the other. The coat of arms was created by Miguel Teurbe Tolón and was adopted on April 24, 1906.
The shield is divided into three parts:
In the chief, a key charging a blue sea between two rocks, symbolizing Cuba’s geographical position between Florida and the Yucatán Peninsula. A bright rising sun in the background symbolizes the rising of the new republic. A key is a symbol of Cuba as Cuba is the key to the Americas. On the left are the stripes of the flag of Cuba but turned so as they are bendwise. On the right is a common Cuban landscape, Royal Palm tree, a symbol of Cuba with mountains in the background.
The shield is supported by an oak branch on one side and a laurel wreath on the other. The oak branch symbolizes the strength of the nation; and the laurel wreath: honor and glory. These symbols were meant to represent the rights of man: Equality, Liberty and Fraternity.
A Phrygian Cap (Gorro Frigio) or liberty cap is located at the top, as a crown symbolizing liberty, with a sole star on it standing for independence.
The coat of arms is framed by acanthus leaves.
The acanthus is one of the most common plant forms to make foliage ornament and decoration.
The decoration is made by analogy with the herbaceous plant of acanthus acanthus family, native to the Mediterranean. The shape of its leaves, with a few sharp edges, resembling a bear's paw, was the basis for the drawing.
Acanthus often represents life and immortality.
Denominations are on left and right sides.
Comments:
Commemorative banknote to Centennial birth of Jose Marti.
Unfortunately, this rare banknote got me in a bad condition. Apparently, someone had tried to withdraw the inscription in ink. The inscription itself still remains visible (on the reverse), but the bill is affected. On the obverse, left of centerб should be the bank logo (the red star with the coat of arms of Cuba), of which left visible only the edge.
This note I got for free, in the appendage. But all the same, it is a pity, that people spoil things like that in the pursuit of profit in the sale.
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