Discover the Bank of Gijón Banknotes: Numismatic Relics of the Spanish Civil War

In the fascinating world of numismatics, the banknotes of the Bank of Gijón stand as poignant testimonies to the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Issued by the branch of the Bank of Spain in Gijón, Asturias, these monetary documents were born in a context of isolation and urgency, when the Republican region was cut off from the rest of Spain. With denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 pesetas, lacking complete series and guaranteed by stamps and the inscription "Tiene fondos" (Has funds), these banknotes reflect the resilience of a community facing adversity. Printed locally by Control de Litografía, their understated designs and Republican symbolism make them coveted pieces for collectors passionate about Spanish numismatic history . In our collectible banknote shop , we invite you to explore these relics that encapsulate the Asturian struggle. Connect with a crucial chapter of history and enrich your collection with these treasures!

Historical Context: Asturias at the Epicenter of the War

The Spanish Civil War, which erupted on July 18, 1936, following the military coup against the Second Republic, plunged Asturias into near-total isolation. While the Nationalist side, led by Francisco Franco, consolidated its control in Galicia and León, Asturias remained a Republican stronghold, led by the Popular Front—a coalition of socialists (PSOE), anarchists (CNT), communists (PCE), and republicans. However, the uprising led by Colonel Antonio Aranda in Oviedo, supported by Falangists, left Gijón and the Nalón and Caudal mining basins as loyalist enclaves, surrounded by a land and sea blockade. This isolation severed supply routes from Madrid and Valencia, the seats of the Republican government, triggering a severe economic crisis.

The shortage of currency was an immediate problem. The peseta, the official currency since 1868, was controlled by the Bank of Spain, but its branch in Gijón was not receiving any shipments of banknotes or coins due to the blockade. The population hoarded copper and silver coins, and low-denomination banknotes disappeared from circulation. According to the catalog "Banknotes of the Bank of Spain during the Civil War" by Juan Montaner Amorós and Andreu Garí, this situation forced extraordinary measures. In October 1936, the Interprovincial Council of Asturias and León, presided over by the anarchist José María Martínez, seized the assets of local private banks, including the Bank of Gijón, founded in 1912. The Central Deposit Fund, created under workers' control, authorized the issuance of provisional checks to support the economy.

These banknotes, issued between November 1936 and September 1937, totaled approximately 44 million pesetas, according to estimates by Panorama Numismático . They circulated in the markets of Cimadevilla, paid miners' wages, and financed collectivization in factories in Mieres and Langreo. However, the Asturias Offensive, launched by Franco in September 1937, culminated in the fall of Gijón on October 21st after the Battle of El Mazuco. Many banknotes were destroyed or demonetized during the Francoist repression, which considered them Republican propaganda. The surviving examples, preserved by exiles or collectors, are now pieces of high historical value, telling a story of resistance in the face of adversity.

Asturias was no stranger to financial daring. In 1923, the anarchist gang Los Solidarios, led by Buenaventura Durruti, stormed the Bank of Spain branch in Gijón, stealing 556,657 pesetas. This episode, reported in the local newspaper La Prensa , foreshadowed the economic chaos that the Civil War would intensify. The Bank of Gijón banknotes, printed under duress, are heirs to that rebellious tradition, circulating in trenches, commissaries, and besieged ports.

Detailed Description: Designs and Technical Specifications

The banknotes of the Bank of Gijón are divided into two main issues: November 1936 and September 1937. Printed by the Lithography Control on fragile paper, they measure between 130 and 170 mm, using blue, red, and black inks to prevent counterfeiting. They lack complete serial numbers, a distinctive feature reflecting their rushed production. The obverse proclaims: "The Bank of Spain - Gijón will pay the bearer [denomination] Pesetas," with specific dates and the signature of the Central Deposit Fund, often that of a union leader. The simpler reverse includes circular seals and the phrase "Has funds," guaranteeing their validity.

The 1936 issue , authorized on November 5th, comprised 5, 10, 25, and 50 peseta notes, totaling 44 million pesetas. These detachable notes, sold from booklets, feature the Republican coat of arms—a rampant lion and castles—flanked by laurel and olive wreaths, symbols of victory and peace. The designs are functional, without portraits, reflecting the urgency of war.

• 5 Pesetas (1936) : Measures 135 x 75 mm. Obverse with text in capital letters, dated "Gijón, 5 NOV 1936". Reverse with stamp of the Central Treasury. Used for daily purchases such as bread or coal, it is the most common denomination, but rare in high condition.
• 10 Pesetas (1936) : Includes a blue band on the edges for illiterate people. Manual numbering in some cases. Widely circulated in port markets.
• 25 Pesetas (1936) : Prominent Republican shield. Some examples bear a stamped extension from March 1937, extending their validity after the veto by the Valencian government.
• 50 Pesetas (1936) : Larger size (150 x 85 mm). Designed for weekly wages, with bank confirmation on the reverse.

The 1937 issue , dated September, was more limited due to restrictions imposed by Valencia. It included 25, 50, and 100 pesetas, although the latter did not circulate widely and remained in reserve. Improvements included a double security matrix and a pre-printed "Funds" message.

• 25 Pesetas (1937) : Stamped only on the reverse, without a complete obverse. Scarce due to the interruption of the issue.
• 50 Pesetas (1937) : It did not circulate massively; archive pieces are rare.
• 100 Pesetas (1937) : The most coveted, measuring 170 x 95 mm. Obverse with cursive text and republican coat of arms. Reverse with pre-printed "Has funds". Partial numbering and double signature.

Compared to the Spanish banknotes of 1935, which featured portraits of Cervantes and Goya, the Gijón banknotes are austere, designed for survival, not art. According to Numista and the Edifil catalogue, their fragility—thin paper, prone to tearing—and post-war destruction limit the number of examples in good condition. Authenticity is verified by the rough paper and fluorescent stamps under UV light, distinguishing them from later museum replicas.

Rarities and Variants: The Charm of Collecting

The uniqueness of the Bank of Gijón's banknotes lies in their variations. The 1936 notes with extensions stamped "Expiration extended, March 1937" are especially sought after, as they reflect the conflict with Valencia, which vetoed new issues. These pieces, marked in red ink on blue, are coveted rarities. Another notable variation is the 100-peseta note from 1937, with partial serial numbers and additional stamps, which did not enter widespread circulation and survives in archives or private collections.

"Double-matrix" banknotes—printed on both sides but never issued—are exceptional, especially the 50-peseta note from 1937. According to Panorama Numismático , some unnumbered examples, from lithographic proofs, are found in blocks or pairs, increasing their value to collectors. Counterfeits are rare, but post-war replicas, created for museums, are distinguished by their plain paper. In forums like Foronum, the "phantom issue" of a 100-peseta note is debated, with only about 200 known examples, according to Billetes de la Guerra Civil (Servicios Documentales, SA).

Compared to banknotes from Bilbao or Santander, Gijón's are more understated, but their Asturian context—marked by mining and the libertarian revolution—gives them a unique aura. A complete set from 1936 (5-50 pesetas) is a numismatic trophy, while the 100-peseta note from 1937 is the jewel of any collection.

Numismatic Significance: A Legacy of Resistance

The banknotes of the Bank of Gijón transcend their monetary function: they are time capsules that chronicle a wartime economy. They financed wages in the Langreo mines, purchases in the Cimadevilla markets, and collectivizations in Avilés factories. As Hugh Thomas points out in *The Spanish Civil War* , these issues reflect "Asturian cantonism," where workers' committees assumed state roles. Inflation, which devalued the Republican peseta by 80%, and maritime isolation forced local solutions, with women leading commissaries and militias.

In the world of collecting, its rarity appeals to both novices and experts. A 5-peseta coin in VF condition is an accessible entry point, while a 100-peseta coin in UNC is an exceptional find. Its study, supported by the Historical Archive of Asturias, reveals details of its production and circulation, connecting collectors to a past of struggle and solidarity.

Why Collect with Our Store?

In our collectible banknote shop , we offer certified banknotes from the Bank of Gijón, guaranteed for their authenticity and quality. Our selection ranges from individual pieces to thematic sets that capture the essence of the Asturian Civil War. With expert advice and secure shipping, we invite you to explore these relics and connect with the history of a region that defied the siege. Visit us online or in Gijón and begin your numismatic journey with banknotes that tell the story of Asturian resistance!

(Words: 1,508. Sources: Banknotes of the Bank of Spain during the Civil War (Montaner & Garí, 2017); Numismatic Panorama; Numista; Edifil; Hugh Thomas, The Spanish Civil War.)