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Peruvian Money - Peruvian Currency
Overview of content
The "Nuevo Sol" is Peru's current currency
Since 1991 the Nuevo Sol is Peru's currency. However, almost everywhere in Lima the US Dollar is accepted. The international code for the Peruvian currency Nuevo Sol (S/.) is PEN. The Nuevo Sol is subdivided into 100 Centimos. There are banknotes for S/. 10, S/. 20, S/. 50, S/. 100 and S/. 200. Coins have been issued for 1 Centimo, 5 Centimos, 10 Centimos, 20 Centimos, 50 Centimos, S/. 1, S/. 2 and S/. 5. Nowadays the Nuevo Sol is a quite stable currency with a moderate inflation (not to mention a few hiccups due to the worldwide turbulences in 2008) and has a more or less steady exchange rate with the US Dollar.
The Four Monetary Systems of Peru
Peru had since 1897 four main monetary systems. The first one was the Libra Peruana de Oro (Peruvian Gold Pound) that was in circulation as legal tender from 1897. In 1930 followed a new currency called the Sol de Oro (Golden Sun). Due to high inflation the currency of the era of Republican Peru was abandoned in 1985 and the Inti introduced. The bad economic state of Peru and terrorism in the late 1980s forced the Inti to lose its value very quickly. Hyperinflation struck the country and the Peruvian government was forced to introduce a new currency in 1991: the Nuevo Sol (New Sun). The Nuevo Sol was introduced at a rate of 1 Nuevo Sol = 1,000,000 Inti's. The return to this name is considered appropriate as it could be derived from historical use and devotion of the sun as a symbol of power and as a way of connecting the new currency to the old Inti, which was named after Inti, the Sun God of the Incas.
Banknotes & Personalities - Description of the Peruvian Banknotes
Do you know the background and history of the pictures on the banknotes for your country? In Peru you won't find any pictures of former presidents on them, but rather some of the famous personalities which are all part of our extensive history. This is why such a banknote doesn't only stand for the pure nominal value, but also passes on culture. In this chapter we would like to introduce our money and give you a short explanation of the illustrations.
10 Nuevo Soles Banknote
The front of the 10 Nuevo Soles bill shows the portrait of José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzáles, a Peruvian air force hero, born in Pimentel 1914. Next to his portrait is the flight school "Aviación de Las Palmas" with a replica of the airplane type North American NA-50 "Torito" in which José Quiñones lost his life.
The rear of the 10 Nuevo Soles bill shows once again José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzáles photographed on the day of his graduation performing an extreme acrobatic presentation. He flew his airplane, a "Caproni 113" upside down only about two meters above the ground. The occasion was the end of the academic year 1938 in the headquarters of the flight school "Central de Aeronáutica - Jorge Chávez".
20 Nuevo Soles Banknote
On the front of the 20 Nuevo Soles banknote is the picture of Mr. Raúl Porras Barrenechea, Peruvian professor, journalists and diplomat. He was born 1897 in Pisco.
Next to his picture appears the main inner courtyard of the 'National University Mayor de San Marcos' where he taught as a professor.
The illustration on the back side of the 20 Nuevo Soles shows the facade of the Palace "Torre Tagle", considered to be one of the most magnificent historical buildings in South America and reflecting the elegance and grace of the architecture in the early 18th century. The palace is currently home to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Rául Porras Barrenechea was the Foreign Secretary between 1958 and 1960. The Palacio Torre Tagle is located at Jr. Ucayali 363, in the city center of Lima a couple of blocks east of the Plaza Mayor (former Plaza de Armas).
50 Nuevo Soles Banknote
On the front of the 50 Nuevo Soles is a portrait of Abraham Valdelomar Pinto, a famous known writer and historian, born 1888 in Ica. To his right appears the corner of the 'Palais Concert'. At that time the Palais Concert was the center for regular meetings of the intellectuals in Lima. It's located on the Corner of Jr. de la Union with Av. de la Emancipación.
The back of the 50 Nuevo Soles bill shows an image of the lagoon of Huacachina which lies in the district of Ica. Legend holds that the lagoon was created when a beautiful native princess was apprehended at her bath by a young hunter. She fled, leaving the pool of water she had been bathing in to become the lagoon. The folds of her mantle, streaming behind her as she ran, became the surrounding sand dunes. And the woman herself is rumored to still live in the oasis as a mermaid.
100 Nuevo Soles Banknote
The front of the 100 Nuevo Soles bill shows the picture of Jorge Basadre Grohmann, one of the country's most notable historians, born 1903 in Tacna. Next to him is the Paseo Civico de Tacna, Tacna's main plaza.
Even a province in the Tacna Region has been named after him: Jorge Basadre.
The back of the 100 Nuevo Soles bill shows the National Library, the Biblioteca Nacional. Shortly after Jorge Basadre's appointment as its director in 1943, the library was destroyed by a fire. So the reconstruction became Jorge Basadre's main objective. Jorge Basadre was also the founder of the National School of Librarians.
200 Nuevo Soles Banknote
The 200 Nuevo Soles bill is the highest valued banknote and the front is decorated with the effigy of the Saint Rose of Lima, patron saint of Latin America, India and the Philippines, born in 1586. St. Rose was beatified by Pope Clement IX in 1667, and canonized in 1671 by Pope Clement X as the first Catholic in the Americas to be canonized by the Roman Church. Next to her portrait is the well of the wishes, a place often visited by her believers.
The back of the 200 Nuevo Soles bill shows an image of the inside of the Convent of Santo Domingo. Saint Rose of Lima's shrine, alongside with those of her friends St. Martín de Porres and Alonso Abad, are located within the Convent of Santo Domingo in Lima.
 Security Features of Peruvian Banknotes & Counterfeits
Click on the Picture to read more and see all the Security Features...
In November 2010 Peru was "named" the Counterfeit Cash Capital of the World. Quite surely nothing the country can be proud of; rather an indicator that you might be confronted with counterfeit money while in Peru. Therefore we highly recommend getting familiar with the banknotes (also the coins - there are fake coins in circulation, mainly with the higher nominations like the 2 and 5 Nuevo Soles!) and their standard security features. All Peruvian banknotes have the standard forgery protection like watermark and security strip, but there are many more characteristics that should hopefully protect against forgeries:
On the security stripe that is recognizable with 'back-light' you can find the markings "PERU" and the declaration of value (e.g. 10, 20...). In the middle of the banknote is a new shimmering band on which you can see the letters "BCRP" and the value of the bank note. The declaration of value on the right side of the bank note is printed with a special ink and method. You'll see the color change while moving the banknote back and forth.
As there are variations for each coin and bill we have dedicated a special section with many pictures to this issue (follow the link)...
Exchange of Damaged Peruvian Banknotes
Always reject damaged banknotes (torn or even repaired). No one will accept them. Even if it might be inconvenient rather ask for another one. In case you end up with a damaged banknote you can exchange it (depending on the severity) at banks, the Central Reserve Bank of Peru or the National Peruvian Mint:
Genuine banknotes that have been damaged by stains, writing, stamps, tears, rips or showing patches with adhesive tape, can be exchanged at any financial institution (Bank) or the cash desk of the Central Reserve Bank if they meet the following conditions:
- Have more than half of the banknote
- Have at least one of its two serial numbers intact
- Are authentic (counterfeit bills will not be exchanged)
However, the banknotes that are missing the watermark, the color-shifting ink or the security thread will only be exchanged at the National Peruvian Mint and branch offices authorized by the Central Reserve Bank (Monday to Friday between 9:15 and 15:15 hours).
Old Peruvian Banknotes & Picture Gallery
As mentioned before, Peru has gone through various monetary systems and each period has brought plenty of new designs to the banknotes. There are so many beautiful old banknotes, that we have dedicated a separate topic with different picture galleries presenting the banknotes issued by the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (Banco Central de Reserva del Peru) from 1926 until 1991. These old bills reflect the history of Peru in a completely different way, but have a look for yourself...
Today you can still buy Intis and old Sol bills, especially in the small shops behind the main post office in Limas City Center. These old bills aren't fake, but keep in mind that they are no legal tender. You can't exchange them or buy anything with them, even if you are told otherwise!
Peruvian Coins (Centimos & Soles)
The Nuevo Sol is subdivided into 100 Centimos. Coins have been issued for 1 Centimo, 5 Centimos, 10 Centimos, 20 Centimos, 50 Centimos, S/. 1, S/. 2 and S/. 5. The abbreviation "S/." stands for Nuevo Sol.
1 Centimo - Peruvian Coin
The 1 centimo coin shows on the front symbols that have been discovered in the pre-Columbian citadel of "Chan Chan", a historical site located in Trujillo, northern Peru. The back presents the Coat of Arms of Peru, the writing "BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA PERU" (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) and the year of issue.
Specs: Diameter 16mm, thickness 1.5mm, weight 0.82g, aluminum, smooth rim
5 Centimos - Peruvian Coin
The 5 centimos coin also shows on the front symbols that have been discovered in the pre-Columbian citadel of "Chan Chan", a historical site located in Trujillo, northern Peru. The back presents the Coat of Arms of Peru, the writing "BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA PERU" (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) and the year of issue.
Specs: Diameter 18mm, thickness 1.5mm, weight 1.02g, aluminum, smooth rim
10 Centimos - Peruvian Coin
The 10 centimos coin also shows on the front symbols that have been discovered in the pre-Columbian citadel of "Chan Chan", a historical site located in Trujillo, northern Peru. The back presents the Coat of Arms of Peru, the writing "BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA PERU" (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) and the year of issue.
Specs: Diameter 20.5mm, thickness 1.26mm, weight 3.5g, brass, smooth rim
20 Centimos - Peruvian Coin
The 20 centimos coin also shows on the front symbols that have been discovered in the pre-Columbian citadel of "Chan Chan", a historical site located in Trujillo, northern Peru. The back presents the Coat of Arms of Peru, the writing "BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA PERU" (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) and the year of issue.
Specs: Diameter 23mm, thickness 1.26mm, weight 4.4g, brass, smooth rim
50 Centimos - Peruvian Coin
The 50 centimos coin also shows on the front symbols that have been discovered in the pre-Columbian citadel of "Chan Chan", a historical site located in Trujillo, northern Peru. The back presents the Coat of Arms of Peru, the writing "BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA PERU" (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) and the year of issue.
Specs: Diameter 22mm, thickness 1.65mm, weight 5.45g, nickel silver, grooved rim
1 Nuevo Sol - Peruvian Coin
The 1 Nuevo Sol coin displays on the front a branch with laurel leaves, the value of the coin (UN NUEVO SOL) and the logo of the National Mint on a geometrical design of vertical lines. The back presents the Coat of Arms of Peru, the writing "BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA PERU" (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) and the year of issue.
Specs: Diameter 25.5mm, thickness 1.65mm, weight 7.3g, nickel silver, grooved rim
2 Nuevos Soles - Peruvian Coin
The 2 Nuevos Soles coin features on the front the image of a Hummingbird belonging to the Nazca lines (pre-Columbian geoglyphs) located in the arid coastal plains in southern Peru and the value of the coin. The back shows the Coat of Arms of Peru, the writing "BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA PERU" (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) and the year of issue.
Specs: Diameter 22.2mm, thickness 2.07mm, weight 5.62g, bimetallic, grooved rim
 2 Nuevos Soles - Peruvian Coin (new in circulation since October 2010)
 
On the 6th of October 2010 the Central Reserve Bank of Peru has issued a new 2 Nuevos Soles coin with some design changes. Both versions of the coin (old and new) are legal tender but slowly the new type should be replacing the previous one. The new 2 Nuevo Soles coin is also made (as its predecessor) from different metals: The core of the coin is made of copper, aluminum and nickel whereby the outer ring is made of stainless steel. The main image on the front of the coin is a Hummingbird (twice the same image in different sizes – overlapping - to prevent easy forgery) belonging to the famous Nazca lines (pre-Columbian geoglyphs) located in the arid coastal plains in southern Peru. The front of the coin also features a horizontal ribbon with a pre-Columbian design (top), the value of the coin as number "2" (overlapping the core and outer ring), the writings "NUEVOS" (core) and "SOLES" (outer ring) on top of a section with vertical lines.
All these new features and fine details have been implemented to prevent the easy counterfeiting (unfortunately there are quite a lot of counterfeit soles coins in circulation – of the previous 2's and 5's). The back remains unchanged and also shows the Coat of Arms of Peru, the writing "BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA PERU" (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) and the year of issue.
Specs: Diameter 22.38mm, weight 5.62g, bimetallic, segmented grooves in rim
5 Nuevos Soles - Peruvian Coin
The 5 Nuevos Soles coin features on the front the image of a Frigate Bird belonging to the Nazca lines (pre-Columbian geoglyphs) located in the arid coastal plains in southern Peru and the value of the coin. The back shows the Coat of Arms of Peru, the writing "BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA PERU" (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) and the year of issue.
Specs: Diameter 24.3mm, thickness 2.13mm, weight 6.67g, bimetallic, grooved rim
5 Nuevos Soles - Peruvian Coin (new in circulation since October 2010)
 
On the 6th of October 2010 the Central Reserve Bank of Peru has issued a new 5 Nuevos Soles coin with some design changes. Both versions of the coin (old and new) are legal tender but slowly the new type should be replacing the previous one. The new 5 Nuevo Soles coin is also made (as its predecessor) from different metals: The core of the coin is made of copper, aluminum and nickel whereby the outer ring is made of stainless steel. The main image on the front of the coin is a Frigate Bird belonging to the famous Nazca lines (pre-Columbian geoglyphs) located in the arid coastal plains in southern Peru. The front of the coin also features a horizontal ribbon with a pre-Columbian design (top), the value of the coin as number "5" (overlapping the core and outer ring), the writings "NUEVOS" (core, partially overlapping the outer ring) and "SOLES" (outer ring) on top of a section with vertical lines.
All these new features and fine details have been implemented to prevent the easy counterfeiting (unfortunately there are quite a lot of counterfeit soles coins in circulation – of the previous 2's and 5's). The back remains unchanged and also shows the Coat of Arms of Peru, the writing "BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA PERU" (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) and the year of issue.
Specs: Diameter 24.38mm, weight 6.67g, bimetallic, continuously grooved rim
Numismatic Series "Wealth and Pride of Peru" with 24 coins
Click on the Picture to read more and see all the coins issued so far...
The Central Reserve Bank of Peru has issued a new Numismatic Series named "Riqueza y orgullo del Perú" - "Wealth and Pride of Peru" containing 24 coins with the value of one Nuevo Sol. The first coin of this series has been put into circulation in March 2010. With this series the Central Reserve Bank of Peru seeks a new way of spreading the diverse and rich cultural heritage of Peru with one of the most commonly used coins in the country (value S/. 1.00).
The new coins are also legal tender and are not thought to be a replacement for the current S /. 1.00 coins. The coins will circulate simultaneously and can be used in any transaction. Each coin represents cultural highlights, typical Peruvian art or important cultural sites. Every couple of months there should be a new coin with a new motive (we will update our gallery accordingly)...
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(AT 17:00 HRS)
Exchange Rate
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2.67 S/. |
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3.21 S/. |
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24-Jan-2012
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Read more (José Quiñones - Biography)
