10 Peseta Banknote - Bank of Spain, Gijón Branch (November 5, 1936)
Complete Technical and Cultural Data Sheet | Provisional Broadcasts during the Spanish Civil War
Introduction
The 10-peseta banknote issued by the Bank of Spain branch in Gijón on November 5, 1936, belongs to the same provisional series as the 5-peseta notes and is one of the most emblematic issues of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). These bearer checks were created to address the acute shortage of small change in the northern Republican zone, which was completely isolated from the central government.
This technical-cultural sheet provides a summary analysis of its physical characteristics, design, variants and historical context.
Main catalog reference: Pick S572 / Edifil 381.
Images of the Banknote (Front and Back)
Selection of high-quality images of actual specimens (main obverse, reverses with stamp variants and details): 
Technical Data
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Face value | 10 Pesetas |
| Transmitter | Bank of Spain - Branch in Gijón (in the name of the Central Deposit Fund) |
| Date of issue | November 5, 1936 (printed in violet or blue ink) |
| Launch | November 10, 1936 |
| Dimensions | Approximately 130 x 78 mm |
| Paper | Ordinary fragile paper, without specific watermark |
| Impression | Improvised local lithography in Gijón |
| Estimated print run | Part of the total issue limited by the 18,002,201 pesetas seized (several million for the value of 10 pesetas) |
| Numeration | Simple black numbering, without alphabetical series |
| Main colors | Obverse: Black text, diagonal brown or green stripe. Reverse: Variable (plain or with stamps in violet, blue, or red) |
| References | Pick S572 / Edifil 381 |
Design Description
Obverse
Central text: "THE BANK OF SPAIN / GIJÓN Will pay the bearer TEN Pesetas." Date: "Gijón, November 5, 1936." Mention: "CENTRAL DEPOSIT BANK - GIJÓN." Monogram of the Bank of Spain on the left. Brown or green diagonal stripe across the banknote. Numbering in black. Handwritten signatures (up to 28 known variants from local bank employees).
Reverse
Similar to the 5 peseta note: multiple variations, initially plain or with signatures; later with the cashier's stamp "Manuel Camarero" or "M. Camarero" in violet, blue, or red. Some with additional "expiration" stamps or indications of funds.
Historical and Cultural Context
In the context of the Civil War, the northern Republican zone (Asturias, Santander, Basque Country) was isolated after the military uprising. On October 24, 1936, the Interprovincial Council of Asturias and León, under the presidency of Belarmino Tomás, decreed the confiscation of private funds deposited in the branch of the Bank of Spain in Gijón (18,002,201 pesetas) and created the Central Deposit Fund.
Checks were issued in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 pesetas, backed by these funds. Although they were provisional promissory notes, they functioned as legal tender in the region. Initial validation with handwritten signatures proved inefficient, leading to the introduction of stamped seals.
In September 1937, a new, larger issue was attempted, but it was prohibited by ministerial order from Valencia (January 14, 1937). The fall of the Northern Front in October 1937 brought these issues to an end.
Culturally, these banknotes represent Asturian resistance, republicanism, and the capacity for economic improvisation in times of war. They are key pieces in the numismatics of the Spanish Civil War.
The low-quality paper and heavy circulation mean that most of the coins are in poor to fair condition. Excellent condition coins are rare.
Known Variants
- Date color: Violet (common) or blue.
- Handwritten signatures: Up to 28 different variations.
- Reverse: Plain, with signatures, "Manuel Camarero" or "M. Camarero" seal in violet, blue or red (at least 6 main types).
- Some with additional overprints or seals.
Conclusion
The 10-peseta banknote from Gijón, dated 1936, is a historical testament to the Spanish Civil War, reflecting the economic hardships and resilience of the northern Republican zone. Its improvised design and unique context make it an essential piece for collectors of banknotes from the Republic and the Civil War.
© 2026 Technical and Cultural Data Sheets of Banknotes Issued by the Bank of Spain in Gijón |