5 Bolívares

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.