100 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 100-peseta note issued by the Bank of Spain branch in Gijón on November 5, 1936, is the rarest and most remarkable piece in the series of provisional promissory notes issued by the Bank of Gijón. These emergency promissory notes were created to cover larger transactions in the isolated northern Republican zone, which suffered from severe monetary shortages during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).
This technical-cultural sheet offers a summary of its technical characteristics, design, few variants, and deep historical context.
Main catalog reference: Pick S575 / Edifil 384. Its print run was the most limited of the series, making it one of the most coveted and valuable pieces of Spanish Civil War notaphily.
Images of the Banknote (Front and Back)
Selection of high-quality images of real specimens (obverse with distinctive red stripe, reverses plain or with minimal stamps, and high-resolution details):
Technical Data
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Face value | 100 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 160 x 95 mm (the largest in the series) |
| Paper | Ordinary fragile paper, without specific watermark |
| Impression | Improvised local lithography in Gijón |
| Estimated print run | Extremely limited; part of the 18,002,201 pesetas seized (much lower than low values) |
| Numeration | Without alphabetical series, simple black numbering |
| Main colors | Obverse: Black text, red diagonal stripe. Reverse: Predominantly plain |
| References | Pick S575 / Edifil 384 |
Design Description
Obverse
Central text: "THE BANK OF SPAIN / GIJÓN Will pay the bearer ONE HUNDRED Pesetas." Date: "Gijón, November 5, 1936." Mention: "CENTRAL DEPOSIT BANK - GIJÓN." Monogram of the Bank of Spain on the left. Red diagonal stripe across the banknote (distinctive of this face value). Numbering in black. Variable handwritten signatures (up to 28 known variants from local bank employees).
Reverse
Generally plain in most known examples, with a few stamps from the cashier "Manuel Camarero" or "M. Camarero" in violet, blue, or red. More minimalist than in lower denominations due to the smaller quantity issued.
Historical and Cultural Context
In the chaos of the Civil War, the northern Republican zone (Asturias, León, Santander) was isolated, generating a severe monetary crisis. On October 24, 1936, the Interprovincial Council of Asturias and León seized 18,002,201 pesetas of private deposits in the Bank of Spain branch in Gijón, creating the Central Deposit Fund to issue checks in 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 pesetas.
The 100-peseta note, intended for larger transactions, had the smallest print run. Although they were provisional promissory notes, they circulated as legal tender. The initial validation with handwritten signatures was supplemented with stamps for practicality.
Subsequent plans for larger issues in 1937 were thwarted by ministerial orders from Valencia and the fall of the Northern Front in October 1937. Culturally, these "banknotes" embody the ephemeral Asturian autonomy, the republican resistance, and economic improvisation in a temporary sovereign territory.
Its extreme rarity is due to the low-quality paper, limited circulation, and partial destruction after the war. Almost all surviving copies are in poor condition; well-preserved pieces are exceptional and highly valued.
Known Variants
- Stripe color and date: Red (predominant) or minor variants in violet.
- Handwritten signatures: Up to 28 different variants of local employees.
- Reverse: Mostly plain; few with a "Manuel Camarero" stamp in different colors.
- Some copies with minimal annotations or fund stamps.
Conclusion
The 100-peseta banknote from Gijón, 1936, represents the pinnacle of provisional issues: an extremely rare historical piece that encapsulates the economic and political resilience of Republican Asturias during the Civil War. Its iconic red stripe and scarcity make it an absolute gem in any serious collection of Spanish banknotes.
© 2026 Technical and Cultural Data Sheets of Banknotes Issued by the Bank of Spain in Gijón |