PMG Registry Featured Set: Argentina

Argentina has made the news recently with a new, unusual series of notes. These releases are quite a deviation from the traditional, government-backed currency. To compare, let’s look at a No. 1-ranked Banco Central Argentina set, by Winnipeg1, found here.

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Dating all the way back to 1935, this expansive set type is not for the faint of heart. Winnipeg1 began assembling this collection in 2021, and he has proven he is up for the task. There are more than 60 PMG-certified high-grade notes in his set now, several of which are PMG Top Pops. The ND (1989-91) 10,000 Australes, for example, is a lovely piece. It offers a realistic depiction of former President Carlos Pellegrini on a muted, yet colorful patterned background. A proud Lady Liberty sits among flowing, fluid designs on the back of this note. Winnipeg1 offers a PMG Superb Gem Unc 69 EPQ, Top Pop (population 1) note in his set.

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Another Top Pop note, the ND (2016) 10 Pesos, depicts scenes of revolution and features famous independence leader and patriot Manuel Belgrano. Not to be forgotten, Winnipeg1 also boasts a unique ND (1990-91) 100,000 Australes replacement note, PMG Top Pop (population 1) in Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ. Be sure to check out the gallery for several PMG Top Pop pieces.

Encompassing this comprehensive set type are many denominations that have changed over the years, so each note is a distinct piece of numismatic history. The latest releases from Argentina are unique issues, as well. These new notes are not issued by Banco Central, as is normally the case. These are provincial in origin. In reaction to a struggling national economy, the local government of La Rioja has printed and released their own notes into local circulation.

Each unit is called a “chacho,” technically a debt-cancellation bond. One chacho is serving as the equivalent of one Argentine peso. These notes come in denominations from 1,000 to 50,000 and are only recognized within that local region. It will be interesting to see how these notes fare and how they may help the local economy in the coming months. These 2025 chachos have their own place in the PMG Registry, in a new set here: La Rioja Provincial Currency, 2024-Date, Complete.

Whether one’s interests may be in traditional notes or in new, unconventional series, there is a PMG Registry set waiting for each collector. We thank you, Winnipeg1, for sharing your extensive collection of Argentine notes for the PMG community to enjoy. We look forward to what 2025 brings for all our treasured PMG Registry collectors, big and small.

Would you like your set to be chosen for a future article? 100% completion in a set is not always feasible. Our team features sets with thoughtful comments and images for their set descriptions and notes. It may be your set! Stay tuned.

The PMG Registry is a free online platform where collectors register and display their certified notes and can compete against other collectors around the world for recognition and prizes. This popular resource now boasts more than 23,000 registered sets and more than 130,000 registered notes.

Thank you all for your continued support of the PMG Registry, the finest online collecting platform for paper money. Remember that we are transitioning the PMG Registry annual awards to 2025 Summer ANA! This exciting transition means there is more time to get your sets ready for the next award period! Winners of 2025 PMG Registry Awards receive a personalized plaque, an icon of recognition next to their PMG Registry set and a $500 PMG grading credit! Check out our exciting announcement here about the upcoming annual awards.

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