How Guatemala's Banknotes Have Evolved Since 1972 and Banguat's 2026 Announcements
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Guatemala's currency, the quetzal, has evolved significantly since its introduction in 1924.
- The Banco de Guatemala announced new collector coins and banknotes for 2026.
- The article traces the quetzal's design history from Mayan exchange to modern security features.
Prensa Libre is delving into the rich history and evolution of Guatemala's national currency, the quetzal. More than just a medium of exchange, the quetzal is presented as a symbol of national identity and economic stability, recognized as one of Latin America's most stable currencies.
El quetzal, símbolo de identidad y estabilidad económica en Guatemala, ha desempeñado un papel clave en la historia financiera del país.
The article traces the currency's lineage from ancient Mayan trade goods like cacao and jade, through the Spanish colonial era's 'Reales,' and the post-federation period before the quetzal's official birth in 1924. It highlights key milestones, such as the 1944 revolution strengthening the financial system and the 1968 redesign that shifted focus to historical figures and events, forming the basis of today's banknotes.
De los mayas al nacimiento del quetzal
We examine the modern banknotes, first issued in the early 1970s with enhanced security features and cultural motifs like the quetzal bird itself. The piece details specific denominations, such as the Q0.50 note featuring Tecún Umán (circulated 1972-1998) and the Q1 note with José María Orellana (circulated 1972-2023), noting their eventual replacement by coins. The upcoming 2026 announcements from the Banco de Guatemala regarding collector items underscore the enduring significance and planned modernization of this vital national symbol. For Guatemalans, understanding this history connects them to their economic heritage and the ongoing story of their nation's development.
Del Q0.50 al Q200: la historia y cambios de los billetes en Guatemala
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Prensa Libre in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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