Catalog
50 Pesos - Isabel II
| Issuer | Banco Español Filipino de Isabel II |
|---|---|
| Year | 1852-1865 |
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| Shape | Rectangular |
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| Obverse description | Central oval vignette bearing a crowned portrait of Queen Isabel II set within a wreath, flanked by two denomination panels reading 'Pf.50' in ornate typeset. The note carries a serial number printed twice across the upper field, with the issuing bank's name in bold letterpress below. Three manuscript signature lines for the Comisario Regio, Director, and Cajero appear at the bottom, above a decorative guilloche border running the full perimeter. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | EL BANCO ESPAÑOL FILIPINO DE ISABEL 2a á la presentacion de este billete pagará al portador CINCUENTA PESOS FUERTE MANILA (Translation: The Spanish-Filipino Bank of Isabel II Upon presentation of this bill, will pay the bearer Fifty hard pesos) |
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| Comments |
The Banco Español Filipino de Isabel II was the first bank established in the Philippines, chartered in 1851 under royal decree and given the right to issue banknotes — the first circulating paper currency in the archipelago. These early notes were produced by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. in London, though issued and intended exclusively for Manila commerce. The peso notes of this series circulated against a backdrop of chronic silver coin shortages in the islands, which gave paper currency an awkward reception in a market that had long settled debts in metal.
The bank was later renamed Banco Español Filipino in 1869, after the queen was deposed.