The Argentina 50 Pesos commemorative banknote (2015)

 

The Argentina 50 Pesos banknote (2015) was issued as a commemorative edition honoring the Malvinas Islands (Falkland Islands) and reaffirming Argentina’s sovereignty claim over the territory. The note was introduced by the Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina as a tribute to the heroes of the 1982 Falklands War, in which Argentina and the United Kingdom fought over the disputed islands.

This banknote features a patriotic and symbolic design, with the obverse (front) displaying a detailed map of the Malvinas Islands, and the reverse (back) featuring Gaucho Antonio Rivero, an Argentine nationalist who led a rebellion against the British in 1833. The design reinforces Argentina’s historical claim and national sentiment regarding the Malvinas Islands.

This banknote stands out for its modern security features, its blue and light green color palette, and its commemorative status, making it a prized collectible.

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Design and Aesthetic Details

Obverse (Front)

The front side of the 50 Pesos (2015) banknote prominently displays:

• A detailed map of the Malvinas Islands, depicted in dark blue, covering most of the note’s surface.
• A Southern Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens) positioned in the lower right, representing the region’s marine life and biodiversity.
• The text “Banco Central de la República Argentina” at the top, denoting the issuing authority.
• The denomination “50” in large numerals, with “Cincuenta Pesos” (Fifty Pesos) written below.
• The Sun of May, a national emblem of Argentina, located in the lower left.
• A lighthouse symbol, representing Argentina’s presence and maritime sovereignty in the South Atlantic.

At the top right, the note features an inscription:
“Islas Malvinas, Georgias del Sur, Sandwich del Sur y Espacios Marítimos Circundantes del Atlántico Sur”
(“Malvinas Islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, and Surrounding Maritime Spaces of the South Atlantic”).

The background includes marine-inspired designs, with wavy lines resembling the ocean currents around the Malvinas. This artistic touch adds to the fluidity and motion of the design, symbolizing Argentina’s ongoing sovereignty claim.

Reverse (Back)

The reverse side showcases a historical and patriotic theme:

• A detailed illustration of Gaucho Antonio Rivero, depicted riding a horse while waving the Argentine flag. Rivero led the first Argentine resistance against British occupation of the Malvinas in 1833.
• Below him, a landscape of the Malvinas Islands, featuring military cemeteries, warships, and a rugged coastline, representing the 1982 Falklands War.
• The phrase “República Argentina en unión y libertad” (Republic of Argentina in Unity and Freedom) is printed at the top.
• The denomination “50” is printed in large numerals.
• A light blue lighthouse, reinforcing the maritime sovereignty theme.

This side of the banknote is deeply symbolic, honoring both historical and modern Argentine efforts to reclaim the Malvinas Islands.

Color Scheme

The color scheme of the banknote is primarily blue and light green, symbolizing:

• The Atlantic Ocean, surrounding the Malvinas Islands.
• Argentina’s national pride, with shades of blue resembling the Argentine flag.
• A maritime and patriotic theme, reinforcing the banknote’s commemorative intent.

The contrast between darker and lighter shades of blue creates a harmonious blend, making the note visually appealing.

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Dimensions

The Argentina 50 Pesos (2015) Malvinas Islands banknote has the following dimensions:

• Width: 155 mm
• Length: 65 mm

These dimensions align with standard Argentine banknotes, making it easy to handle and differentiate from other denominations.

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Security Features

The 50 Pesos (2015) Malvinas Islands banknote incorporates modern security features to prevent counterfeiting:

1. Watermark: A watermark of the Malvinas Islands, visible when held up to light.
2. Security Thread: A woven security thread, embedded in the paper, displaying “50 BCRA” under light.
3. Microprinting: Tiny detailed inscriptions along the borders, readable only under magnification.
4. Raised Ink (Intaglio Printing): The map of the Malvinas Islands and denomination numerals have textured ink, allowing tactile recognition.
5. Color-Shifting Ink: The denomination “50” changes color when tilted, from blue to green.
6. Ultraviolet (UV) Features: Special fluorescent ink appears under UV light, highlighting security markings.
7. Iridescent Strip: A shimmering strip runs vertically across the note, enhancing authentication.

These security features make the banknote durable and difficult to counterfeit, ensuring its legitimacy in circulation.

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Circulation and Collectibility

Circulation

• The 50 Pesos (2015) Malvinas Islands banknote was introduced as legal tender and circulated in everyday transactions.
• It was widely accepted alongside other Argentine 50 Pesos banknotes, although its symbolic significance made it less commonly used.
• Due to inflation, the 50 Pesos denomination lost purchasing power, leading to its eventual withdrawal.

Collectibility

The 2015 Malvinas Islands 50 Pesos banknote is a highly sought-after collector’s item, particularly among numismatists and history enthusiasts.

• Rarity: The note was produced in limited quantities, making uncirculated (UNC) versions valuable.
• Historical Significance: It commemorates Argentina’s claim over the Malvinas, a topic of national pride.
• Market Value: Uncirculated (UNC) notes sell at a higher premium, while circulated notes retain moderate collector interest.
• Symbolism: The note remains a powerful representation of Argentine nationalism and is often collected as a political and historical artifact.