1000 Austral #16

Front

The front features the denomination '1000 Mil Australes' prominently displayed with the issuer's name 'BANCO CENTRAL DE LA REPUBLICA ARGENTINA' vertically aligned. The design includes intricate guilloche patterns in burgundy and brown tones forming the main security background. Two signatures appear with titles 'PRESIDENTE' and 'GERENTE GENERAL'. The Austral currency was introduced in June 1985 to combat hyperinflation, replacing the Peso Argentino at a rate of 1 Austral = 1,000 Pesos Argentinos, but itself succumbed to hyperinflation by the early 1990s.

Back

Allegory of Liberty or Progress, a classical female figure in flowing robes with Phrygian cap, seated with agricultural and industrial symbols including wheat sheaves and a cornucopia, representing Argentina's wealth and productive capacity. This allegorical representation has appeared on various Argentine currency issues throughout history, symbolizing the nation's aspirations for freedom, prosperity, and advancement. The figure is rendered in detailed intaglio engraving against elaborate geometric security patterns.

History

The Austral series was introduced on June 15, 1985, as part of the Austral Plan (Plan Austral) designed by Economy Minister Juan Vital Sourrouille under President Raúl Alfonsín to combat Argentina's severe hyperinflation. The Austral replaced the Peso Argentino at a rate of 1 Austral = 1,000 Pesos Argentinos. Initially successful in stabilizing prices, the currency ultimately failed as hyperinflation resumed in 1989-1990. The Austral was demonetized in 1992 when the Peso Convertible was introduced at a rate of 1 Peso = 10,000 Australes. The 1,000 Australes note was one of the higher denominations issued as inflation escalated. Designs featured allegorical figures rather than historical portraits, a departure from earlier Argentine currency traditions.