5 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 5-peseta banknote issued by the Bank of Spain branch in Gijón on November 5, 1936, is one of the most representative examples of the provisional issues during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). These bearer checks were created to combat the chronic shortage of small change and banknotes in the Republican zone of the north, which was isolated from the central government in Madrid and Valencia.
This technical-cultural sheet offers a summary analysis of its physical characteristics and design up to the historical context and known variants.
Main catalog reference: Pick S571 / Edifil 380.
Images of the Banknote (Front and Back)
Below is a selection of high-quality images of actual specimens (main obverse, reverses with stamp variants and details):
Technical Data
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Face value | 5 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 121 x 71 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 5 pesetas) |
| Numeration | Simple black numbering, without alphabetical series |
| Main colors | Obverse: Black text, brown diagonal stripe. Reverse: Variable (plain or with stamps in violet, blue, or red) |
| References | Pick S571 / Edifil 380 |
Design Description
Obverse
Central text: "THE BANK OF SPAIN / GIJÓN Will pay the bearer FIVE Pesetas." Date: "Gijón, November 5, 1936." Mention: "CENTRAL DEPOSIT BANK - GIJÓN." Monogram of the Bank of Spain on the left. Brown diagonal stripe across the banknote. Numbering in black. Handwritten signatures (up to 28 known variants from local bank employees).
Reverse
There are multiple variations: initially plain or with handwritten signatures; later validated with the cashier's stamp "Manuel Camarero" or "M. Camarero" in violet, blue, or red. Some have additional "expiration" stamps or indications of funds.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Civil War divided Spain and generated serious monetary problems. In the northern Republican zone (Asturias, Santander, Basque Country), isolation cut off the supply of banknotes from Madrid. On October 24, 1936, the Interprovincial Council of Asturias and León (presided over by Belarmino Tomás) decreed the confiscation of private funds (18,002,201 pesetas) deposited in the branch of the Bank of Spain in Gijón and created the Central Deposit Fund.
Issuance of promissory notes in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 pesetas, backed by these funds, was authorized. Although technically provisional promissory notes, they circulated as legal tender in the region. Initial validation with handwritten signatures proved slow, so stamped seals were adopted.
In September 1937 a new, larger issue was planned (up to 60 million), but the Valencia ministerial order of January 14, 1937, prohibited new issues with the signature of the Bank of Spain, and the fall of the Northern Front in October 1937 brought a definitive end to these pieces.
Culturally, these banknotes symbolize Asturian resistance, temporary self-government, and republican economic improvisation. They bear witness to a period of ephemeral regional sovereignty and the struggle to maintain economic normality amidst the chaos of war.
Due to their heavy circulation and low-quality paper, most copies survive in fair to poor condition (BC to VF). Pieces in excellent condition are extremely rare.
Known Variants
- Date color: Violet (most 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 overprints, expiration dates, or additional annotations.
Conclusion
The 5-peseta banknote from Gijón, 1936, is not merely a temporary means of payment, but a living historical document that encapsulates the hardships and resilience of the northern Republican zone during the Spanish Civil War. Its study enriches any collection of Spanish banknotes and offers a unique window into the past. It is an essential piece for understanding local emergency currency issues.