The 50 Pesos Uruguayos commemorative banknote issued in 2017

The 50 Pesos Uruguayos banknote issued in 2017 was released as a special commemorative note marking the 50th anniversary of the Banco Central del Uruguay (BCU), which was founded in 1967. This note serves both as legal tender and as a collectible item for numismatists. Featuring a modern design with a predominantly blue color scheme, the note integrates historical, artistic, and security elements to reflect the evolution of Uruguay’s financial institution.

This commemorative issue maintains the standard dimensions of Uruguayan banknotes and features a mix of traditional and innovative elements. Notably, it is printed on polymer substrate, making it more durable and secure against counterfeiting compared to conventional paper-based banknotes.

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Design Elements

Obverse (Front Side)

The obverse of the note prominently displays the Banco Central del Uruguay’s name and the commemorative inscription “1967 – 2017 CINCUENTA ANIVERSARIO” to mark the 50-year milestone. The note includes:

• A large numeral “50” in the bottom left corner, signifying its denomination.
• The official seal of the Central Bank of Uruguay, placed to the left of the anniversary text.
• The signatures of the Secretary-General and the President of the Central Bank.
• A sophisticated background pattern incorporating geometric elements symbolizing financial stability.
• A transparent polymer window, shaped as Uruguay’s national emblem, reinforcing security and authenticity.
• A dynamic “50” sunburst motif, positioned toward the right side, which changes appearance under different angles and lighting conditions.

Reverse (Back Side)

The reverse side of the note features an artistic representation of Uruguay’s port infrastructure, highlighting the economic significance of maritime trade. The design includes:

• A detailed industrial port scene titled “Construcción Portuaria” by renowned Uruguayan artist Walter Deliotti.
• The word “URUGUAY” printed vertically along the left side.
• Another large numeral “50” placed at the top left and bottom right for clarity.
• The same sunburst motif as on the obverse, reinforcing the continuity of design.
• A subtle geometric security pattern on the right side, blending seamlessly into the artwork.

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Color Scheme and Dimensions

• The primary color of the note is blue, reflecting Uruguay’s national identity and financial stability.
• Additional color gradients include light blue, gray, and subtle hints of gold for contrast.
• The dimensions of the note are 65 mm in height and 149 mm in length, making it the standard size for Uruguayan banknotes.

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Security Features

This commemorative note incorporates multiple advanced security features, ensuring protection against counterfeiting while maintaining a visually appealing design. Some of the key security elements include:

1. Polymer Substrate

   • Unlike traditional paper notes, this 50 Pesos note is printed on polymer, making it more resistant to wear, tear, and environmental damage.

2. Transparent Window

   • Located on the left side of the note, this feature mimics Uruguay’s national emblem and is integrated into the polymer for easy authentication.

3. Color-Shifting Ink (Optically Variable Feature)

   • The “50” sunburst design changes color when tilted, enhancing security and adding an interactive aesthetic.

4. Microtext

   • Fine microprinted text is embedded in different sections of the note, visible only under magnification, acting as an anti-counterfeiting measure.

5. Raised Printing (Tactile Feature for the Visually Impaired)

   • Certain parts of the note, such as the denomination numerals and the bank name, have intaglio printing, making them slightly raised and detectable by touch.

6. UV Features

   • Under ultraviolet (UV) light, specific security elements, including serial numbers and patterns, become visible.

7. Serial Number and Series Details

   • Each note has a unique serial number, printed both vertically on the left side and horizontally on the right, ensuring traceability.

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Circulation and Collectibility

As a commemorative issue, this banknote was released in limited quantities to celebrate a milestone in Uruguay’s financial history. Although it was released as legal tender, many of these notes have been preserved by collectors due to their unique design and significance.

• The 2017 series of the 50 Pesos note was part of a special print run, making it rarer than standard circulation banknotes.
• Because of its polymer composition and advanced security features, the note remains in excellent condition longer than older paper-based Uruguayan notes.
• The note’s artistic and historical significance adds to its desirability among numismatists, particularly those specializing in South American banknotes.