Banknotes of America

America is the continent with the most eventful monetary history in the world. In just over a century, it has produced hyperinflations that multiplied the zeros on its banknotes, private banks that issued their own paper money, countries that abandoned their currency to adopt the dollar, and others that reinvented it three times. All of this can be read on the banknotes.

Three stories that explain the continent

The first is the story of excess zeros: Venezuela reached one million bolívares, Peru went from the sol to the inti and back to the sol, Bolivia printed pesos that the market left behind in months. The second is the story of disappearing issuers: the Ecuadorian sucre died in 2000, the Salvadoran colon in 2001, and their banknotes will never be produced again. The third is the story of private bank paper money, like the Banco Anglo Costarricense, which issued its own currency before a central bank existed.

What you will find here

Banknotes from across the continent, from Canada to Argentina, with a special presence of Cuba, Venezuela, and Mexico. Each item indicates its Pick catalog reference, year of issue, and condition, and some of the collection is PMG certified.

Where to start an American collection

The most practical approach is to choose a thread and follow it: a country, a denomination repeated over the decades, or a theme such as the heroes of independence, who appear on almost all issues on the continent. Starting with Venezuela is inexpensive and quickly builds volume; starting with classic issues from Costa Rica or Cuba costs more but builds a collection with much more personality.

Authenticity and shipping

All banknotes are real issues from central banks or issuing banks, never reproductions. They are sent protected in individual sleeves, with tracking and from Spain.