The Banco Central de Cuba (BCC) officially announced the introduction of two new high-denomination banknotes. Starting April 2026, 5,000-peso banknotes began circulating in Havana and will later spread across the country. The 2,000-peso banknotes will enter circulation later—the date will be announced separately. The decision is part of a planned update of the monetary cone under current economic realities.

Economic Motives for the Reform

According to the BCC, the issuance aims to facilitate cash transactions, meet the real needs of an economy requiring significant cash volumes, reduce logistics costs, and increase the operational flexibility of the banking system. The official communiqué explicitly states: "during the current inflationary phase the country is experiencing." Other denominations remain in circulation unchanged.

Historical Precedent in Design

For the first time in the history of Cuban numismatics, portraits of Cuban female patriots appear on banknotes. The 2,000-peso note features a portrait of the "Mother of the Homeland"—Mariana Grajales Cuello. The 5,000-peso note features a portrait of the "Heroine of the Sierra Maestra"—Celia Sánchez Manduley. This decision emphasizes national symbolism and expands traditional currency design.

Technical Parameters and Security Features

Both banknotes have a standard size of 150 × 70 mm and are made of special security paper in accordance with international standards.

  • Color Scheme: 2,000 pesos — predominantly violet-pink; 5,000 pesos — blue.

  • Obverse: in the center — a portrait of the patriot with high relief; top left — the inscription "Banco Central de Cuba"; bottom right — the BCC logo, denomination in words, and a colorless embossed element; top center — the BCC abbreviation and the signature of the bank's president.

  • Security Elements: a watermark with the portrait of the heroine and an electrotype of the denomination; a vertical security thread with a motion effect (BCC + denomination); Cuba's national flower "La Mariposa" on the obverse and reverse with an iridescent effect when changing the viewing angle. Elements for the visually impaired are also provided.

Reverse and Symbolism

In the center — the inscription "REPÚBLICA DE CUBA." Below — the denomination in words. The reverse of the 2,000-peso note depicts the "Mother of the Homeland" monument at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery. The reverse of the 5,000-peso note features the Celia Sánchez Manduley memorial in Lenin Park. The series consists of three letters and two digits, with a six-digit serial number in the upper corners.

The new issuance not only optimizes cash circulation but also demonstrates the BCC's strategic approach to balancing currency functionality with national identity. The updated banknotes will be gradually integrated into the daily operations of banks and the population without canceling previous denominations.

Vitalii Cherniuk - CEO World Banknote Store