Cuban Banknotes

Cuba is one of the most popular countries for paper money collecting, and not just for political reasons. It has issues hand-signed by Che Guevara as president of the National Bank, a dual-currency system that lasted nearly thirty years, and a recent series of high denominations that has reignited collector interest.

Che's signature

Between 1960 and 1961, Ernesto Guevara was president of the National Bank of Cuba and signed banknotes simply as "Che". It is probably the most recognizable signature in the history of paper money, and it explains why those issues are sought after far beyond the realm of Cuban collecting.

Peso, CUC, and the 2021 reform

For decades, the Cuban peso and the convertible peso (CUC) coexisted, with different banknotes for each. The 2021 monetary unification retired the CUC, which suddenly became a collector's item. Then came the high denominations, up to the 5000-peso banknote, documenting the island's recent economic evolution.

The 3-peso note

The 3-peso note with the portrait of Che is the classic entry-level piece: inexpensive, instantly recognizable, and present in practically every collection in Latin America. It is the one almost everyone buys first when starting with Cuba.

What you will find here

Issues from the National Bank and the Central Bank, retired convertible pesos, recent high denominations, and specimens certified by PMG, many in high grades. All with their Pick reference and actual condition.

Authenticity

Original pieces from the issuer, never reproductions. Protected shipping with tracking from Spain.

Discover more banknotes from the region at Banknotes of the Americas.

If you are interested in this area, pair it with the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.