The Central Bank of Venezuela released the 1 Million Bolivar Soberano note on September 3, 2020, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo. In addition, this note is the largest denomination issued by the Central Bank.  

Family of Venezuela 1 Million – 500K – 200K Soberanos | Source: BCV

Obverse Design of the Venezuela 1 Million

On the obverse of the 1 million Venezuelan Bolivar note is the Venezuelan leader and Liberator of Latin America, Simon Bolivar. Simon Bolivar is also the influential figure that sparked the revolution for South American independence. After exposure to 18th-century liberal thought and the French Revolution, he seeks to liberate his country in addition to other fellow Spanish colonies in South America.  

Venezuela 1 Million Bolivares Obverse | Source: Banknote World

Simon Bolivar was a son of a Venezuelan aristocrat. He started the campaign for independence in New Granada, which is present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Bolivia. In addition, Bolivar became the first president of Gran Colombia. Above Bolivar’s bust are eight stars. These eight stars are from the Venezuelan flag and represent the eight provinces that took part in the rebellion. In the background are “Flor de Mayo” flowers. The flor de Mayo is the national flower of Venezuela.  

In Depth Details of the 1 Million Bolivares | Source: Banknote World

Reverse Design of the 1 Million

On the top of the star pattern is the official name of Venezuela “Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela”, the denomination “1 Millon de Bolivares”, the date “3 de Septiembre de 2020”, and also the signatures of the President and Vice President of the Central Bank.  

Venezuela 1 Million Bolivares Soberanos Reverse | Source: Banknote World

On the reverse side is a scene from the Battle of Carabobo. The Battle of Carabobo is the final military engagement between the Venezuelan independence fighters and the Spanish royalist troops. It is the final battle that put an end to Spanish colonial rule.  

Battle of Carabobo – Martin Tovar y Tovar | Source: Wikipedia

On June 24, 1821, the battalion led by Bolivar confronted the royalist troops led by Spanish Field Marshall Miguel de la Torre at the plains of Carabobo. In less than an hour, Bolivar’s battalion won against the royalist troops, leading to the independence of Venezuela from Spanish rule and the founding of the Republic of Gran Colombia.

The Arch

To the left of the depiction of the Battle is the Arch of Triumph. The Arch of Triumph is built at the entrance of Carabobo Field on June 24, 1921, to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo and also to honor the heroes who fought and died for Venezuela’s independence. This monument now stands on Paseo Campo Carabobo in the municipality of Libertador in Carabobo State.  

Arch Triump of Carabobo | Source: 7Toucans

Beside the Arch of Triumph is the coat of arms of Venezuela. The Venezuelan coat of arms dates to February 17, 1954. In addition it is contains three distinct parts. One side of the shield shows wheat. Another side of the shield shows a branch of laurel tying together weapons and two national flags. At the base of the shield is a wild white horse who’s pattern takes after Bolivar’s horse Palomo. In addition, above the shield are two crossed cornucopias. An olive branch flanks the shield and also a palm branch, both form a union together at the bottom with a large band.  

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