The 1,000 peso banknote of Cuba 2025: commemorative issue for the 65th anniversary of the banking system

In 2025, the Central Bank of Cuba (BCC) launched a special edition of the 1,000 Cuban peso (CUP) banknote to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the nationalization of the Cuban banking system , a landmark event in 1960 that transformed the country's economy. This edition not only holds historical and symbolic value but also remains fully legal tender, circulating alongside the standard design.

Unlike purely collectible banknotes, this one was designed to be integrated into everyday use, appealing to both everyday users and numismatic enthusiasts because of its combination of tradition and modernity.

Historical significance of the commemoration

The nationalization of the banks in 1960 marked a radical shift in Cuba's financial structure, consolidating a banking system at the service of the state and the people. 2025 marked the 65th anniversary of this pivotal event , celebrated throughout the year and especially on Bank Workers' Day (October 13). This issue pays tangible tribute to that historic date.

Innovative design on a circulating banknote

The banknote retains the color, dimensions, and security features of the standard 1,000 CUP design, making it easy to recognize and use. However, it incorporates distinctive elements that identify it as commemorative, without compromising its functionality.

On the obverse , the graphic base is maintained, but a specific folio number for this issue and the visual identifier "65th Anniversary" , used throughout the commemorative campaign, are added below the text "ONE THOUSAND PESOS".

The reverse side presents the most notable change: the central image of the University of Havana is replaced by the Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara Sculptural Complex in Santa Clara . In the lower left corner, the identifier "65th Anniversary" is repeated.

Legal validity and circulation of the commemorative 1000 peso Cuba 2025 banknote

This banknote is fully legal tender , meaning it is accepted in any transaction in Cuba just like the standard 1,000 CUP note. Both versions circulate interchangeably, making it a living testament to monetary history.

This duality makes it unique in modern notaphily: a commemorative object that is not limited to collecting, but actively participates in the daily economy.

Appealing to collectors and experts

From a numismatic perspective, it stands out for:

• To be an official issue of the BCC with clear commemorative elements.
• Circular alongside the standard design, but easily distinguishable .
• Be linked to a specific historical date (1960-2025).
• To be part of contemporary Latin American notaphily .

For retailers, it is essential to describe it as a commemorative banknote in circulation , highlighting its context to maximize its value.

Conclusion

The commemorative 1,000 Cuban peso banknote of 2025 goes beyond the symbolic: it is a bridge between history and everyday life, demonstrating how the Central Bank of Cuba (BCC) uses the currency to preserve national memory without altering its economic role.

For collectors, historians, and the general public, it represents a valuable piece in the landscape of commemorative issues, combining art, security, and meaning.