Bolivia 10 Pesos Bolivianos Colonel Germán Busch 1962 Pick 154a.17 UNC Banknote

The Bolivia 10 Pesos Bolivianos 1962 Pick 154a.17 is part of the monetary reform authorised by the Law of 13 July 1962, which introduced the Peso Boliviano as Bolivia’s new monetary unit.

Printed in olive green over a multicoloured background, the note combines the portrait of Colonel Germán Busch Becerra with one of Bolivia’s most historically important landscapes: the city of Potosí and Cerro Rico. PMG Notes

This particular banknote is especially interesting numismatically because P-154a exists with numerous signature combinations. The P-154a.17 variety represents one of the later combinations and can be identified by its Milton Paz / Ruíz Balaldión signatures and Y2–U3 series range. banknote.ws

Historical Background

Germán Busch Becerra (1904–1939) was a Bolivian military officer, Chaco War veteran and political leader who served as President of Bolivia from 1937 until his death in 1939. His military reputation and role in a turbulent period of Bolivian history made him one of the country’s prominent 20th-century national figures. Numista

The banknote itself belongs to an important monetary transition. Bolivia’s new Peso Boliviano replaced the previous Boliviano at a conversion of 1 Peso Boliviano = 1,000 old Bolivianos. This explains the unusual dual denomination printed on the reverse: “Diez Pesos Bolivianos” together with “Diez Mil Bolivianos.” Wikipedia

Technical Specifications

• Country: Bolivia
• Denomination: 10 Pesos Bolivianos
• Old Currency Equivalent: 10,000 Bolivianos
• Year: 1962
• Legal Date: 13 July 1962
• Pick Number: P-154a.17
• Banknote Book: B343q
• Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
• Issuer: Banco Central de Bolivia
• Currency: Peso Boliviano
• Material: Paper
• Dimensions: approximately 155 × 65 mm
• Dominant Colour: Olive green / dark green over multicolour
• Portrait: Colonel Germán Busch Becerra
• Reverse: Potosí and Cerro Rico
• Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited, London
• Signatures: Milton Paz / Ruíz Balaldión
• Series: Y2–U3
• Type: Standard circulation banknote
• Watermark: None banknote.ws

Obverse

The obverse features:

• Portrait of Colonel Germán Busch Becerra in military uniform
• Coat of Arms of Bolivia
• Banco Central de Bolivia title
• 10 Pesos Bolivianos denomination
• Legal inscription “Ley de 13 de Julio de 1962”
• Serial number and series
• Signatures of Milton Paz and Ruíz Balaldión
• Multicoloured security underprint

The official historical documentation of the Banco Central de Bolivia describes Busch wearing his military uniform, presidential medal and decoration. Biblioteca Digital BCB

Reverse

The reverse depicts:

• Historic city of Potosí
• Cerro Rico rising behind the city
• Banco Central de Bolivia inscription
• Large denomination numerals
• “Diez Pesos Bolivianos”
• “Diez Mil Bolivianos”

The Cerro Rico of Potosí is one of the most historically significant mining sites in the Americas. Its immense silver deposits transformed Potosí into a major economic centre during the Spanish colonial period.

The Banco Central de Bolivia notes that the scene was based on imagery already used on the earlier 10 Bolivianos issue of 1945. Biblioteca Digital BCB

Security Features

The banknote incorporates security elements characteristic of its period, including:

• Embedded security thread
• Repeating “BOLIVIA” microprinting within the security thread
• Fine engraved linework
• Multicoloured security underprint
• Detailed intaglio-style portrait and ornamental engraving
• Serial numbering
• No watermark

The 1963 emission authorised under the 1962 law is documented as using an unwatermarked paper with a clear security thread containing repeated microprinted BOLIVIA. Wikipedia

Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?

The Bolivia 10 Pesos Bolivianos 1962 Pick 154a.17 UNC banknote combines several attractive collecting themes: a former Bolivian president, the legendary mining city of Potosí, a major currency reform and a precisely identifiable signature variety.

It is particularly suitable for collectors of Bolivian banknotes, South American currency, historic monetary reforms, presidents on banknotes, mining-themed notes and vintage UNC world paper money.

Collector’s Note

The designation “(17)” is important and worth keeping in your product title. P-154a was issued with 18 different signature varieties, so P-154a.17 identifies a much more specific banknote than simply P-154a. PMG Notes

Your P-154a.17 corresponds to the Y2–U3 series with signatures of Milton Paz and Ruíz Balaldión. It is also catalogued as TBB B343q. banknote.ws

An especially interesting feature for collectors is the dual denomination on the reverse. The banknote simultaneously states 10 Pesos Bolivianos and 10,000 Bolivianos, visually documenting Bolivia’s transition from the old Boliviano to the Peso Boliviano. This makes the note a tangible piece of the country’s monetary reform rather than simply another dated currency issue. Numista