The 2026 Guatemalan 100 Quetzal Commemorative Banknote: History, Design, Security, and Collector's Value

On May 18, 2026, the Bank of Guatemala (Banguat) unveiled a new 100 quetzal commemorative banknote, a special issue celebrating the institution's 80th anniversary and, at the same time, the centenary of central banking in the country. Officially put into circulation on May 25, 2026, this banknote has become one of the most sought-after pieces by Latin American numismatic collectors so far this year, further bolstered by the international recognition it has received for its design.

If you are looking for the 2026 Guatemala 100 quetzal commemorative banknote in UNC (uncirculated) condition for your collection or investment, Iberoamericana Banknotes offers verified authentic specimens, with certification and secure international shipping. This article details everything you need to know. You can purchase it by clicking here.

Historical Context: A Century of Central Banking in Guatemala

The history commemorated by this banknote dates back to 1926, the year Guatemala introduced the quetzal as its national currency within a comprehensive monetary reform. Two decades later, in 1946, the Bank of Guatemala was established as an independent central institution, replacing the old decentralized system and establishing a state entity with exclusive authority over monetary issuance.

Banguat President Álvaro González Ricci summarized the significance of the piece when presenting it: "Today, we are not just presenting a new banknote. Today, we are presenting a piece that represents history, trust, and stability for Guatemala." He added that the Q100 denomination was chosen because it is the most representative in the country, accounting for more than half of the notes in circulation and about 88% of the total value issued.

As an additional interesting numismatic fact, the banknote also commemorates the 350th anniversary of the University of San Carlos de Borromeo, one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in America.

Design of the Commemorative Banknote: Tradition and Modernity

The banknote retains the visual identity of the Q100 denomination in daily circulation but incorporates historical elements rescued from the first banknote of this denomination, issued in 1948, and new references to Banguat's 80 years.

Features of the obverse (front):

• Portrait of Bishop Francisco Marroquín (1478-1563), the first bishop of Guatemala and recognized as the first defender of indigenous education in the colonial era.
• Quetzal in flight, an element recovered from the 1960 design.
• Security thread with three windows and optical effects, located on the left side of the banknote.
• Numerals "100" in Arabic digits at the top and in Mayan numerals at the bottom.
• Central window with the image "Indio de Nahualá," accompanied by microtext with the phrase "The quetzal is pride, trust, and future for Guatemala."
• High-definition multi-tonal watermark.

Reverse (back):

• Representation of the old University of San Carlos de Borromeo, commemorating its 350 years of history.
• Frames, texts, and tactile bars for visually impaired people.
• Perfect registration between both sides of the banknote and fluorescent elements visible under ultraviolet light.

The banknote is made of 100% cotton fibers, a composition that increases its durability and reinforces protection against counterfeiting. Its print run was 15 million copies, equivalent to 1.5 billion quetzals in circulation.

Advanced Security Features

The Q100 commemorative banknote incorporates state-of-the-art anti-counterfeiting technology, including:

1. Windowed security thread with three windows and optical color-shifting effects.
2. High-definition multi-tonal watermark.
3. Microtext integrated into the central window of the security thread.
4. Fluorescent elements, visible only under ultraviolet light.
5. Perfect registration between the obverse and reverse.
6. Tactile relief and accessibility system for visually impaired people.

For a collector, verifying these elements is the best guarantee of authenticity when acquiring a piece. At Iberoamericana Banknotes, we check each specimen before putting it up for sale.

International Recognition: Best Commemorative Banknote of 2026

A few weeks after its launch, the Q100 banknote was entered by Banguat in the "Best New Commemorative Banknote" category of the High Security Printing Latin America 2026 event, held in Guatemala City from June 1 to 3. The Guatemalan proposal, presented under the name "100 Quetzales Commemorative Note – Merging the Heritage, Presence, and Innovation into the Banknote Design," ended up winning the "Best New Commemorative Banknote 2026" award, which evaluates the artistic quality, technological innovation, and security elements of new issues in the region.

This award consolidates Guatemala as a benchmark in numismatic design and innovation within Latin America and adds an additional appeal for collectors: it is an internationally awarded piece from its first year of circulation.

Numismatic and Collector's Value

Commemorative banknotes usually arouse special interest among collectors due to their limited mintage compared to regular issues and the unique historical context they represent. In this case, several factors reinforce its appeal:

Double commemoration — It celebrates both the centenary of Guatemalan central banking and the 80th anniversary of Banguat, with an additional reference to the 350th anniversary of the University of San Carlos de Borromeo.

International recognition — Awarded as the best new commemorative banknote of 2026, a quality seal recognized by the industry.

Fusion of historical designs — It combines elements of the original 1948 banknote and the 1960 banknote with the most advanced 21st-century security technology.

Active legal tender — Unlike other purely numismatic issues, this banknote circulates normally alongside regular Q100 banknotes, which in the future could make it difficult to find specimens in perfect UNC condition.

At Iberoamericana Banknotes, you will find specimens of the 2026 Guatemala 100 quetzal commemorative banknote UNC, individually packaged, with detailed photos of the obverse, reverse, and security elements.

Printed in Poland by PWPW: International Quality and Security

The Guatemalan 100 quetzal commemorative banknote was manufactured by Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych S.A. (PWPW), the Polish state printing house specializing in high-security documents and one of the most recognized mints internationally. This collaboration ensures that the banknote meets the most demanding security standards in the global market, a factor especially valued by collectors when certifying and grading their pieces.

How the Commemorative Banknote Was Distributed

Banguat established a direct exchange system: Guatemalans could turn in a regular Q100 banknote and receive a commemorative edition in return, with no exchange limit for those wishing to obtain several specimens. Distribution was staggered, first from Banguat headquarters and later through the country's banking network, which generated long lines of collectors and interested citizens in the first week of circulation.

Why Is It Important for Collectors?

The issuance of this banknote marks a recent milestone in Guatemalan numismatics:

• First Q100 commemorative issue to circulate alongside regular banknotes without altering the visual identity of the denomination.
• Printed by PWPW, which provides a perceived value of superior quality and security.
• International award obtained in its first year of circulation, something unusual for newly issued commemorative banknotes.
• Strong emotional and identity component, as described by the Banguat president himself when stating that these types of banknotes "are kept, collected, and passed down from generation to generation."

Why Buy the 100 Quetzal Commemorative Banknote at Iberoamericana Banknotes?

Guaranteed authenticity.

• Competitive prices and attractive packages.
• Secure and discreet international shipping.
• Specialized support for collectors.
• Constant updates on new Latin American issues.

Explore our section on Guatemalan banknotes and acquire your copy of the 100 quetzal commemorative banknote today. Don't miss out on this internationally awarded piece that combines history, art, and a century of Guatemalan central banking!