1 Lempira HNL #243

Front

Lempira (died 1537), indigenous Lenca chieftain and national hero of Honduras who led a major uprising against Spanish conquistadors in 1537-1538. He organized over 30,000 Lenca warriors in fierce resistance to Spanish colonization before being killed by deception during peace negotiations. The Honduran currency, the Lempira, was named in his honor in 1931, and he remains the most celebrated indigenous resistance leader in Central American history. The note also features the national coat of arms at left with the motto 'REPÚBLICA DE HONDURAS LIBRE SOBERANA E INDEPENDIENTE' (Republic of Honduras Free Sovereign and Independent) dated 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821.

Back

Ruins of Copán, an ancient Maya archaeological site in western Honduras near the Guatemalan border. Copán was one of the most important centers of the Maya civilization from the 5th to 9th centuries CE, renowned for its sculptured stelae, hieroglyphic stairway (the longest known Maya hieroglyphic text), and architectural achievements. The site features elaborate temples, plazas, and the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway with over 2,200 glyphs. Copán was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 and represents Honduras's rich pre-Columbian heritage.

History

This note belongs to Honduras's 2019 polymer series issued on June 20, 2019, marking the country's transition from paper to polymer substrate for enhanced durability and security. The series maintains traditional imagery celebrating indigenous resistance (Lempira) and Maya cultural heritage (Copán ruins) while incorporating modern anti-counterfeiting features. The Lempira has been Honduras's currency since 1931, replacing the Honduran peso at par. This 1 Lempira denomination is the smallest in circulation and widely used in daily transactions.