Catalog
5 Bolívares
| Issuer | Banco Central de Venezuela |
|---|---|
| Year | 1989 |
| Type | Standard circulation banknote |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse lettering | BANCO CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA CINCO BOLIVARES PANTEON NACIONAL REPUBLICA DE VENEZUELA 5 |
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| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | Portrait of Simón Bolívar, visible when held to light |
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| Comments |
By 1989, Venezuela's oil-dependent economy was in freefall. The February austerity measures imposed by newly elected Carlos Andrés Pérez triggered the Caracazo — days of riots and looting that left hundreds dead and shook the political order Pérez had hoped to stabilize. A 5 bolívares note issued that year circulated through an economy where inflation was eroding purchasing power so fast that the denomination itself would become essentially worthless within a few years.
Thomas De La Rue's contract for the Venezuelan series ran across multiple denominations and date variants through this period. The P#70b designation distinguishes a signature or date variation within the 70 series rather than a distinct printing order.