This Bolivian 100 bolivianos note, bearing the law date of 20 December 1945, carries the portrait of Gualberto Villarroel, a president whose fate became one of the most dramatic pages in the country’s history. It was issued by the Central Bank of Bolivia and printed by Thomas De La Rue in London; the Pick catalogue lists the type as P147. The date on the note is the date of the law: notes of this type entered circulation between 1954 and 1961 in series with different signature combinations.

The front shows Villarroel in military uniform on the right and the coat of arms of Bolivia on the left. Major Villarroel led the coup of 20 December 1943, and in 1945 he convened the First Indigenous Congress, after which «pongueaje», the unpaid forced service of peasants on haciendas, was banned. On 21 July 1946 he was killed in La Paz when an insurgent crowd stormed the presidential palace.

The back features the oil refinery at Valle Hermoso, its name printed beneath the vignette. The denomination is given in two forms, «CIEN BOLIVIANOS» and «DIEZ BOLIVARES»: one hundred bolivianos equalled ten bolívares.

This is a note of the first boliviano, which circulated until 1963, and the portrait type of the 1945 law series, which lends itself to collecting by signature varieties. For a Bolivia collection or for thematic sets on politicians and industry it is a striking piece. UNC condition means the note has never circulated: no folds, no wear, no soiling, even corners — just as it left the press.

If this theme interests you, take a look at the other items in the VPcoins catalogue.