The Central Bank of Cuba published a historical review of women’s representation in Cuban coins, banknotes and medals, highlighting the recent circulation of CUP 2,000 and CUP 5,000 banknotes featuring Mariana Grajales and Celia Sánchez, respectively. The notes mark a shift from the longstanding predominance of male figures on circulating Cuban currency. The review identifies Leonor Molina Adán as the first Cuban woman represented in national numismatics, appearing on coins minted in the United States in 1897 and 1898 to raise funds for the independence struggle. Female representation later appeared more often in medals and noncirculating commemorative coins, while Celia Sánchez’s inclusion as a watermark on national peso banknotes in the early 2000s preceded the new higher-denomination notes.
2026-08-24Central Bank of Cuba
Central Bank of Cuba reviews women’s representation in national currency, highlights CUP 2,000 and CUP 5,000 banknotes
The Central Bank of Cuba published a historical review of women in Cuban numismatics. It highlights the circulation of CUP 2,000 and CUP 5,000 banknotes featuring Mariana Grajales and Celia Sánchez after women had long been largely absent from circulating currency.