This Venezuelan banknote represent the 1st denomination of the Bolívar Fuerte Series (2016). The 500 Bolívar Fuerte note (500 BsF) was printed from August 18, 2016 to March 23, 2017. This particular note was produced during the final printing run.
Rampant hyperinflation has caused all Bolívar Fuerte denominations to be retired. Including it's successor, the Bolívar Soberano (2018). Which currently (2020) has been retired up to it's final denomination, the 500 Bolívar Soberano (500 Bs.F.).
Despite this, retired Venezuelan Bolívar have found a new home. As an easily affordable item for beginning/young collectors. These collectors often become attracted, by the colorful illustrations of Venezuela’s wildlife. Creating decorative displays, with the reverse side out. In honor of that tradition, this note will be reviewed reverse first.
The Reverse features a pair of endangered Orinoco River Dolphins, also known “Toninas” in Spanish. They are a type of fresh water dolphin, known for their bright pink skin. When first born they are gray, like most dolphins. Although as they grow into adults, they will slowly change to pink to their iconic grayish-pink color.
River dolphins are known to occasionally to swim into flooded forests, during the wet season. This feat is possible due to their large and paddle-shaped pectoral fins. Allowing them greater mobility than salt water dolphins, including the ability swim in a circular motion. This is further augmented by their unfused cervical vertebrae, which allows river dolphins to turn their head 90 degrees.
Médanos de Coro National Park
The background is an illustration of the Coro Dunes, at Morrocoy National Park. Located on the Médanos isthmus, on the Caribbean coast of Estado Falcón (Falcon State). Médanos de Coro was founded in 1974 and known for being only the region in South America with extensive sand dunes. The park is accessible by taking a bus ride from the city of Coro.
Despite its small 91 km2 (35 sq mi) size, the park includes three unique sections. Which includes a flood plain (Mitare River Delta), a wind plain (Coro Dunes), and a coastal plain (mangrove swamp). River dolphins can been seen at the Mitare river delta section of the park. The Coro Dunes wind plain covers 5x30 sq km (3.1x18.6 sq mi) area, forming a sizable portion of the park. Visitors are
allowed to wander the dunes, on camels.
Overall fauna is relatively sparse, mainly limited to lizards, rabbits, anteaters and foxes. Although park does host 21 different species of birds, including the Yellow-Shouldered Amazon. Which thrive in the arid environment, feeding on cactus fruit and flowers.
Observe
The vertical observe features Venezuelan independence leader Francisco de Miranda (1750-1816). Who lead the unsuccessful First Republic of Venezuela (1811-1812). Which inspired Simón Bolívar own successful independence movement. The Venezuelan government has decreed, that Miranda will be buried in the Panteón Nacional de Venezuela (National Pantheon of Venezuela). Once his remains are properly located.
Countermeasures
Despite the low value of the Bolívar Fuerte, the series utilizes numerous security measures. Both in visible and virtually hidden. The Fuerte series alternates between standard and window security strips, throughout it's denominations. This denomination utilizes a windowed, aquamarine, holographic security strip. There is an additional security tread, located near the observe portrait's base. The gridded bar and hexagon above the (red) serial number, is a denomination designator. Which alternates between the denominations within the series. There is a 2-color light puzzle, below the (black) serial number. Olive (observe) and gray (reverse) segments merge, when back lit. Highlighting a River Dolphin and star.
Micro-Print
The near entirety of the note is covered in alternating lines and micro-print patterns. Where present the micro-text reads “BCV500”, in sequence. The pattern repeats on all denominations, with the exception of the number (listed denomination). Below the observe's portrait is a micro-print pattern, forming a sash with stars. Overlaid by a large number “500”.
Watermark
The watermark features de Miranda, as seen on the note's observe. Below the watermark is an electro-typed text "500". Unfortunately the color pallet and erratic micro-print lines makes capturing the watermark difficult. Although it can be readily seen, in physical copies of the note.
Ultraviolet Gallery
Bolívar Fuerte Gallery (Observe)
(Gallery features all observe sides of the Bolívar Fuerte)
Bolívar Fuerte Gallery (Reverse)
(Gallery features all reverse sides of the Bolívar Fuerte)
Additional Notes
In addition to participating in the Spanish-American War of Independence. Miranda participated in the American Revolution (1775-83) and French Revolution (1789-99).
An empty cenotaph remains in the National Pantheon of Venezuela, in anticipation of the discovery of Miranda's remains.
Miranda name is engraved on the Arc de Triomphe, in Paris.
A portrait of Miranda is on display at the Palace of Versailles.
After the American Revolution, Miranda founded the "The Great American Reunion" freemason temple in London, England.
Venezuelan Remote Sensing Satellite-1 (VRSS-1), is also known as the Francisco Miranda.