My Unforgettable Encounter with Don Ramón Cobo Huici: How I Obtained Dedicated Catalogues and Notaphily Treasures for My Collection of Spanish Paper Money

If you're interested in collecting Spanish banknotes , specifically Civil War paper money from Northern Spain , this article is for you. As a passionate banknote collector, my journey has been marked by the search for reliable references that provide context and value to each piece. A few months ago, I realized I was missing some key catalogs to complete my specialized library. Specifically, I was looking for reference works on Bank of Spain proofs and local issues. That's when I decided to acquire the catalogs of one of the leading experts: Don Ramón Cobo Huici.

Don Ramón, with over four decades dedicated to notaphily , is the author of several essential catalogs that every collector of Spanish banknotes should own. His generosity allowed me not only to obtain the books I needed but also to experience an unforgettable afternoon filled with anecdotes, knowledge, and humanity. This account details that experience but also serves as a guide for those who wish to delve into the fascinating world of Spanish banknotes , especially those issued during the Civil War in Northern Spain.

What is Notaphily and Why Collect Spanish Banknotes?

Notaphily is the collecting of banknotes, vouchers, bonds, and other documents that once served as currency. In Spain, this hobby has gained popularity in recent years thanks to the rich history of our currency issues. From 19th-century Bank of Spain banknotes to local notes from the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), each piece tells a story of crisis, resilience, and ingenuity.

Paper money during the Spanish Civil War in Northern Spain is one of the most interesting chapters. In Asturias, León, and Santander, the Sovereign Council of Asturias and León (and other local entities, businesses, and unions) issued vouchers and banknotes to alleviate the shortage of official currency. These ranged from centimos to pesetas, with simple yet highly symbolic designs: lions, anchors, crowns, and regional references. These banknotes are not only historical but also reflect the temporary autonomy of the North during the conflict. Collecting them requires reliable catalogs to avoid modern forgeries, which have proliferated on online platforms.

The Catalogues of Ramón Cobo Huici. Essential References

Don Ramón has published works that are bibles for notaphilists:

• Paper Money Issued by State Bodies, Local Entities, Companies and Unions during the Civil War in Northern Spain (the one I already had in my collection previously dedicated).
• Catalogue of Proofs of the Bank of Spain (1936-1992) : Details printing proofs of the Spanish State and Juan Carlos I.

• Catalogue of Counterfeit Banknotes from the Bank of Spain (1856-1992) : An essential guide to detecting historical forgeries.

• Bonds, Vouchers and Documents Put into Circulation as Paper Money in Spain, I was missing it but it was given to me during my visit : It covers unofficial issues from the 19th century.

I'm currently missing the Bank of Spain Proof Catalogue (1900-1938) , but it would be useful; it might open doors for another visit in the future. If anyone has it, please send me a message.

Below is a photographic summary of his work:

How I Contacted Don Ramón and the Unexpected Invitation

One day, while reviewing my collection of catalogs of signed banknotes, I realized I still had two of his catalogs that weren't signed. So I contacted Jaime Sanz (who needs no introduction in the world of national and international banknotes) to see if he could give me Ramón's contact information so I could complete my collection. He kindly provided me with his email address (I'm very grateful to him for this and many other things), and I immediately decided to send him a message. I explained that I was a collector from Asturias, that I admired his work, and that I was missing some of his signed catalogs to complete my library.

To my surprise, she replied in less than 24 hours. Without knowing me at all, she gave me her phone number and address in Langreo. "Come by whenever you like, we'll have a beer and chat," she said. I was impressed by her friendliness. I prepared a little Asturian gift: 1 kg of fabes beans from Granja de Villayón , the best in the region, fresh and with protected designation of origin.

I got in the car in Gijón and in just 20 minutes I was in Langreo. I rang the doorbell with the package of beans in my hand. She greeted me with a smile and a "Come in, come in!" that made me feel right at home.

An Afternoon of Anecdotes, Knowledge and Collecting

We entered his living room/library: shelves overflowing with numismatic books, a painting of the stoker, albums, and boxes of protected banknotes. We sat down, he showed me his collection, and we started chatting. I could have stayed there for months.

Don Ramón showed me part of his impressive collection: Bank of Spain banknotes, printing proofs, period forgeries, and, above all, Asturian issues from the Civil War. He emphasized the banknotes from Asturias and León: vouchers from the Sovereign Council, local bonds, and documents from mining companies. He explained details that don't appear in general catalogs: variations in signatures, inks, papers used in local printing presses, and anecdotes about how they were printed under precarious conditions.

Then came the crucial moment: comparing dubious banknotes I had been thinking of buying online. He pulled out pieces from his collection, acquired more than 20 years ago, when the market wasn't flooded with counterfeits. Next to them, we placed the ones currently for sale. With a lamp and flashlight, we analyzed watermarks, fibers, inks, and perforations. "Look here: this signature is modern; the paper doesn't age the same way," he told me. He saved me from buying modern forgeries disguised as genuine ones.

Then came the most emotional part. He dedicated three of his catalogs to me:

• Catalogue of Tests of the Bank of Spain (1936-1992)
• Catalogue of Counterfeit Banknotes from the Period of the Bank of Spain (1856-1992)
• Bonds, Vouchers and Documents Put into Circulation as Paper Money in Spain

He dedicated them with personal messages that I treasure. He also gave me the last copy of one of his recent works, of which there are only 50 copies. "So you can continue your research," he told me.

The afternoon flew by amidst anecdotes: how his passion began, discoveries at auctions, the current tricks in the online market, and tips for beginners. I left with signed books, new knowledge, and the certainty that notaphily is more than just collecting: it's about preserving history and sharing passion.

The Value of Generosity in Collecting

My encounter with Don Ramón Cobo Huici was much more than getting dedications for my catalogs. It was a lesson in humility, passion, and community. In a world where collecting can sometimes become competitive, his open invitation and dedicated time reminded me why I love this hobby.

If you're starting out in collecting Spanish banknotes , Civil War notes from Asturias , or looking for Ramón Cobo Huici catalogs , I encourage you to get them; they're not widely available. Spanish banknote collecting is rich, accessible, and full of stories like mine.

Do you have a similar anecdote? What Asturian piece would you like to own? Share it in the comments! And if you can, look for their books: they'll change the way you collect.

Dedicated with enormous gratitude to Don Ramón Cobo Huici, a great collector and scholar of Spanish notaphily for more than 40 years, whose generosity and passion continue to inspire all of us who love paper money.