Banknotes of the Banco Central de Guatemala
As part of the currency reform of 1926, in which the peso was abandoned in favor of the quetzal, the private banks were deprived of the right of issue of banknotes. The Banco Central de Guatemala was established as the sole bank of issue. The bank, however, was still partly privately held. The old notes were redeemable at the rate of 1 quetzal = 60 pesos. The quetzal was pegged to the dollar until 1987.
series of 1927
This specimen was lot 536 in Ponterio sale 149 (Chicago, April 2009), where it sold for $1265. The catalog description noted, "GUATEMALA. 1 Quetzal, 29.4.1927. P-6. FINE." The one quetzal note replaced the silver one quetzal minted in 1925 and rejected by the populace.
half quetzal
This specimen was lot 537 in Ponterio sale 149 (Chicago, April 2009).
one quetzal
This specimen was lot 2124 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $___. The catalog description noted, "GUATEMALA. Banco Central de Guatemala. 1 Quetzal, 19.9.1942. P-14a. A condition rarity that is the finest we have seen or handled for the catalog number. A magnificent W&S design that shows with a vignette of a farm in the foreground of mountains with Quetzal birds at left and right. Lovely centering and deeply embossed overprints help confirm the lofty Gem grade. Currently tied for the finest certified by PMG with three equals. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ."
two quetzales
This specimen was lot 70394 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, October 2020), where it sold for $2,280. The catalog description noted, "GUATEMALA. Banco Central. 2 Quetzales, 1936-42. P-15a. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63. Printed by W&S. Signature title of Gerente at right. Bright orange ink and wide margins add to the appeal of this 2 Quetzales note. PMG has encapsulated just 11 example of this pick variety. PMG Pop 1/1 Finer."
ten quetzales
This specimen was lot 72184 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Santa Ana, CA, May 2018), where it sold for $1,200. The catalog description noted, "GUATEMALA. Banco Central de Guatamala. 10 Quetzales, 1941. P-17a. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ. The 10 Quetzales offered here is among the most pleasing we have handled and offers strictly original paper, vibrant inks with excellent detail. Tropical vignette at left center with water and mountains in the background. Stone bridge depicted at back in red with heavy lathe styling surrounding."
twenty quetzales
This specimen was lot 3282 in Ponterio sale 173 (New York, January 2013), where it did not sell. The catalog description noted, "GUATEMALA. Banco Central de Guatemala. 20 Quetzales, 14.1.1937. P-18b. A catalog number which is quite scarce in any form with this piece showing with enough body and color to merit a Very Fine grade. Problem free for the grade and a nice pairing to the next lot. Very Fine."
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