Guatemala 20 Quetzales,Commemorative banknote (2020)

In 2021, the Banco de Guatemala issued a commemorative 20 Quetzales banknote to celebrate the bicentennial of Guatemala’s independence. This release honors 200 years since the nation declared independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1821, reflecting Guatemala’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Overview

The commemorative 20 Quetzales banknote features a design that intertwines significant historical elements with modern security features. The obverse showcases a portrait of Doctor Mariano Gálvez, a prominent figure in Guatemala’s independence movement and former Chief of State of Guatemala within the Central American Federation. Adjacent to his likeness is an image of the Royal Palace of the New Guatemala of the Assumption, symbolizing the nation’s colonial architectural heritage. The background is adorned with intricate patterns in shades of blue, enhancing the visual appeal and reflecting the national colors.

On the reverse, the banknote depicts the signing of the Act of Independence of Central America, capturing the pivotal moment when Guatemala, along with other Central American provinces, declared independence from Spain. This scene is complemented by the national coat of arms and a depiction of the quetzal bird, the country’s national symbol representing freedom and resilience.

Print Quantity: 25,000,000 notes

Technology and Security Features

To ensure authenticity and deter counterfeiting, the 2021 commemorative 20 Quetzales banknote incorporates several advanced security features:

• Watermark: The banknote includes a watermark depicting the quetzal bird, visible when held up to light, providing an immediate verification of authenticity.

• Security Thread: A windowed security thread runs vertically through the banknote, visible from both sides, enhancing its security against replication.

• See-Through Register: When viewed against light, certain patterns on the obverse and reverse align perfectly, forming a complete image, a feature difficult to replicate accurately.

• Microprinting: Extremely fine text, not easily discernible to the naked eye, is embedded within the design, serving as a deterrent to counterfeiters.

• UV Features: Under ultraviolet light, specific elements of the banknote fluoresce, including the serial numbers and randomly distributed fibers within the paper, adding an additional layer of protection.