500 Pesetas ESP Banknote (Banco de España (Burgos Issue)) 1938

500 Pesetas Peseta (Issued 1938)

The 500 Pesetas banknote issued by Banco de España in 1938 represents a pivotal moment in Spanish monetary history, produced during the Spanish Civil War when the Burgos branch of the central bank served as the financial authority for Nationalist-controlled territory. The Burgos Issue designation distinguishes this note from concurrent emissions and reflects the fractured political and monetary landscape of the period. Collectors of Spanish Civil War–era currency recognise this denomination as a critical documentary artefact of a turbulent era, when Spain’s currency system became fragmented across competing authorities. The note’s technical execution and historical context make it a significant piece of twentieth-century European financial history.

On the front, the banknote displays a warm cream and tan colour palette with ornate border work executed in intricate guilloché patterns forming elaborate corner cartouches. The denomination “500” appears prominently in all four corners in a serif typeface, with “PESETAS” written beneath. The central text reads “EL BANCO DE ESPAÑA” across the top in bold capitals, followed by “PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR” and “QUINIENTAS PESETAS” in the centre. Below this, the issue details state “BURGOS, 20 DE MAYO, DE 1938”, establishing the precise date and location of issue. The note contains three signature lines for “EL GOBERNADOR”, “EL INTERVENTOR”, and “EL CAJERO”, each bearing handwritten signatures in period script. A serial number “A1468827” appears in red ink in the top right and bottom left corners. The entire design is framed by a substantial decorative border with floral and geometric ornamentation, and the paper surface shows fine cross-hatching patterns typical of security engraving from this era.

The reverse features a monumental architectural composition centred on a grand cathedral or religious building with multiple spires and elaborate Gothic detailing, rendered in sepia-toned engraving against a cream background. The structure is flanked by ornate classical columns with Corinthian capitals, from which elaborate scrollwork and foliate designs extend across the entire field. The denomination “500 PESETAS” appears in the lower portion within a decorative cartouche, with identical text and ornamental elements in the upper section. The bank’s name “BANCO DE ESPAÑA” is displayed in an arc above the architectural centrepiece. Additional denomination numerals “500 – 500” frame the composition on the left and right margins. The engraving demonstrates exceptional technical precision with fine line work creating subtle tonal gradations across the architectural elements and surrounding decorative areas. The paper exhibits the characteristic cream tone and subtle texture consistent with currency-grade security stock of the 1930s period.

Exchange foreign coins and notes with no fuss: Webuyallcurrency.com accepts this 500 Pesetas banknote and other old or withdrawn Spanish Pesetas banknotes, paying out for everything together in a single transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 500 Pesetas Peseta banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

If you have leftover currency to exchange, Webuyallcurrency.com accepts Spanish Pesetas banknotes and a wide range of other foreign coins and notes, paying out for the lot in a single straightforward transaction.