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1896 Cuba 10 Pesos “PLATA” Silver Coin Note PMG 64 Choice UNC – Pick 49d Banco Español ABNC

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1896 Cuba 10 Pesos “PLATA” Silver Coin Note PMG 64 Choice UNC – Pick 49d Banco Español ABNC

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Description

1896 Cuba 10 Pesos “PLATA” Silver Coin Note PMG 64 Choice UNC – Pick 49d Banco Español ABNC

Offered here is an exceptional 1896 10 Pesos banknote from El Banco Español de la Isla de Cuba, graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated. Cataloged as Pick# 49d, this note features the highly sought-after "PLATA" red overprint, marking it as redeemable in silver coinage. This is one of the finest surviving examples of Spanish colonial Cuban paper money, printed to the highest standards by the prestigious American Bank Note Company (ABNC) of New York.


Certification & Details:

  • Country: Cuba

  • Issuer: El Banco Español de la Isla de Cuba

  • Pick Number: 49d

  • Year: 1896

  • Denomination: 10 Pesos

  • Printer: American Bank Note Company

  • Serial Number: 577461

  • Grade: PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated

  • Overprint: Red "PLATA" (Silver Coin)

  • Printed Date: 15 de Marzo de 1896

  • Color Scheme: Black, green, red


Design & Features:

Obverse:

  • Central vignette: A pastoral Cuban sugarcane harvesting scene with oxen pulling a cart—a strong visual symbol of Cuba’s agrarian economy under Spanish colonial rule.

  • Large denomination counters “10” in the corners and within green guilloche medallions.

  • Text reads: "pagará al portador DIEZ pesos fuertes en moneda metálica"—indicating silver coin redemption.

  • Bold red serial numbers and detailed border printing.

  • Date and location: Habana, 15 de Marzo de 1896, signed by banking officials.

  • Highly intricate engraving typical of ABNC craftsmanship.

Reverse:

  • Decorative green geometric background with red overprint “PLATA” across the center.

  • Elaborate ABNC style border flourishes, with denomination “10” repeated in the corners.

  • Flanked by red underprint security bands, adding to both anti-counterfeiting and aesthetic appeal.

  • Bottom imprint: “American Bank Note Company, New York”


Historical Significance:

This note was issued during Cuba’s final years under Spanish rule, shortly before the Spanish-American War of 1898. The Banco Español de la Isla de Cuba served as the colony’s central issuing authority. “PLATA” notes like this were part of a dual system, backed by actual silver coin (moneda metálica), in contrast to more speculative paper-based obligations. These were trusted more by the public and were essential in everyday high-value transactions.

ABNC’s involvement in Cuban banknote production ensured these notes were not only secure but visually striking, using steel-plate engraving techniques that rivaled the best banknotes of the 19th century.


Collector’s Value:

Graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated, this note offers pristine quality with sharp registration, full margins, and vivid color. The “PLATA” red overprint, the rich historic context, and the ABNC design elements make it a top-tier example for serious collectors of:

  • Spanish colonial currency

  • Cuban monetary history

  • Silver-backed banknotes

  • ABNC engraved world notes

High-grade examples from 1896—especially with the PLATA overprint—are scarce in the marketplace and are increasing in value due to both rarity and demand.

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