1875 1000-peseta note: what it is and what to do if you have one

If you have in front of you a banknote that reads EL BANCO DE ESPAÑA, 1000 PESETAS, and is dated January 1, 1875, this is what you have: the banknote cataloged as Pick-10 and Edifil 268.

It is part of the January 1, 1875 issue: the so-called English issue, the only one from the 19th-century series commissioned from two London engraving firms.

Here you will find who or what appears on it, how to distinguish it from those that look like it, how to check if yours is original, and what to do if you want to sell it. You will not find prices: I explain why below.

What the scene on the obverse represents

The highest-denomination banknote of the English issue does not feature a historical portrait, but rather two oval medallions with a male and a female allegorical portrait, surrounded by geometric work.

The reverse, in light brown, features female allegorical heads and the legend "1000 MIL". At 195 by 130 millimeters, it is one of the largest Spanish banknotes ever issued, and with 75,000 copies, it has the shortest print run of the entire 1875 issue.

Banknote specification

Face value 1000 pesetas
Date of issue January 1, 1875
Pick Catalog P-10
Edifil Catalog 268
Printer Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. and J. H. Sanders, London
Print run 75,000 copies
Dimensions 195 × 130 mm
Put into circulation —
Obverse Male and female allegorical portraits in oval medallions, with geometric designs
Reverse Light brown print with female allegorical heads and the legend "1000 MIL"

How to tell if yours is original

It is worth knowing this above all else, because far more reproductions than originals are in circulation for Spanish banknotes of this era: collector's sheets from the 70s and 80s, catalog facsimiles, and press reprints.

The 1875 issue is the only one commissioned from London: it was engraved by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. and J. H. Sanders, two top-tier British firms. This gives these banknotes a recognizable appearance:

  • English style engraving. The allegorical engraving is finer and denser than that of banknotes made in Madrid. With a magnifying glass, you can see a continuous line, never dots.
  • Combination of techniques: intaglio, letterpress, and lithography on the same piece, with very clean color overlapping.
  • Raised ink (tactile feel) in the intaglio areas.
  • Watermark formed in the paper pulp, visible against the light and not printed.

Specific checks for this banknote

  • Measure it. This banknote measures 195 × 130 mm. Photographic copies almost always lose two or three millimeters, so a ruler settles many doubts in ten seconds.
  • Check the exact motif. On the obverse — male and female allegorical portraits in oval medallions, with geometric designs. On the reverse — light brown print with female allegorical heads and the legend "1000 MIL".
  • Keep the print run in mind. 75,000 copies were printed, but that was over 140 years ago and the vast majority were withdrawn and destroyed.

I will confirm it for you for free. If it turns out to be a reproduction, I will tell you just the same: I gain nothing by making you believe otherwise.

Original or facsimile? I will tell you today, with no obligation
WhatsApp +34 644 54 98 79
info@iberoamericanabanknotes.com

What makes it worth more or less

For this banknote, as with the entire 19th-century series, preservation is key, followed closely by repairs: a washed, pressed, taped, or trimmed-margin copy loses a great deal of value, even if it "looks better."

I do not publish price ranges, and here is why: the value depends entirely on the specific specimen, and that does not fit into a table. A generic figure from the internet only leads to disappointment. Send me photos and I will value your banknote, not "one like yours."

And before showing it to anyone: do not press it, do not wash it, do not tape anything, and do not put it in soft PVC. All four are irreversible. I explain this in detail in the guide to selling old banknotes.

How I buy them from you

You send me photos via WhatsApp—obverse, reverse, a detail of the numbering, and one against the light—and I will respond in less than 24 hours telling you what you have and, if I am interested, with a firm offer. I pay for the shipping, and I transfer the funds the same day I receive and verify the piece; if it does not match the photos, I will return it to you at my expense.

I am Fran, from Iberoamericana Banknotes, an authorized PMG dealer. I can also value it for insurance or inheritance purposes, without purchasing it, and I can manage the PMG grading or consignment for you.

I buy throughout Spain, wherever you live, and the process is always the same. If you are nearby, in any municipality in Asturias, I will go to your home to see it at no cost, and you can also bring it to my shop in Gijón, at Calle Cabrales 77, by appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What appears on the 1875 1000-peseta banknote?
It does not feature any historical figure. On the obverse — male and female allegorical portraits in oval medallions, with geometric designs. On the reverse — light brown print with female allegorical heads and the legend "1000 MIL".

How many were printed?
The print run was 75,000 copies. Beware of a common misconception: a high print run in the 19th century does not mean that many remain today. These banknotes were systematically withdrawn and destroyed, and what counts is how many survive, not how many were produced.

How do I know if mine is original or a reproduction?
The fastest way: look at the portrait with a magnifying glass (continuous engraved line for an original, dot pattern for a copy) and run your finger over the letters looking for texture. If you have doubts, send me photos and I will tell you for free, even if it turns out to be a facsimile.

How much is the 1875 1000-peseta banknote worth?
It depends entirely on the specimen: preservation, margins, and any repairs move the price drastically. I do not give blind figures because it would not be honest. With photos, I can tell you what yours is worth in less than 24 hours.

Do you buy it even if it is circulated or has defects?
Yes, provided it is original and not restored. For banknotes of this era, honest circulation is not a problem; what truly penalizes the value is repair work.

Other banknotes from this issue

Other 1000-peseta banknotes from the Bank of Spain

If you are not quite sure which one is yours, compare it with these: they are all 1000-peseta notes but from different issues.

General guide: selling old Bank of Spain banknotes. If you also have pesetas from other eras, here is which peseta banknotes and coins have value.

Send me a photo of the obverse and another of the reverse and I will tell you today what you have.
WhatsApp +34 644 54 98 79

Back to blog

Leave a comment

¿Prefieres venderlo en consignación?

Además de comprártelo, puedo venderlo por ti en consignación. Es la forma de sacar más dinero por tu colección: la ofrezco a los compradores que más pagan por cada pieza, porque llevo diez años construyendo una base de datos de compradores segmentada y sé a quién ofrecer cada billete o moneda.

Yo cobro un porcentaje de la venta, así que cuanto mejor la vendo, más ganas tú. La contrapartida es el tiempo: encontrar al comprador que más paga lleva más que una compra directa. Por eso es ideal si no tienes prisa por vender.

¿Prefieres traerlo a mi tienda de Gijón?

Te atiendo en mi tienda de Gijón, Calle Cabrales 77, junto al Parque de Begoña, con cita previa. Y si vives lejos, en cualquier concejo de Asturias voy a tu casa gratis después de ver unas fotos.

Escríbeme por WhatsApp: +34 644 54 98 79