Guatemala

The defining feature of Guatemalan currency is the integration of the Mayan numerical system, where dot-and-bar notation appears alongside Arabic numerals across denominations. This dual system is paired with Mayan glyphs and design structures that directly reference pre-Columbian mathematics and writing. The 100 quetzales note anchors this heritage through the Temple of the Great Jaguar at Tikal, one of the most recognizable archaeological sites in Mesoamerica, while additional architectural references include the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage site represented through baroque façades and urban layouts.

Portraiture follows a precise historical and cultural framework. The 0.50 quetzal note features Tecún Umán, the K’iche’ Maya leader, establishing the indigenous resistance narrative within the currency system. The 100 quetzales note presents Francisco Marroquín, linking the series to early colonial education and linguistic development. The 200 quetzales note introduces the marimba as the national instrument, accompanied by composers such as Sebastián Hurtado, Mariano Valverde, and Germán Alcántara, defining the musical identity of Guatemala. Lower denominations incorporate coffee harvesting scenes, reflecting the country’s agricultural foundation, while the Resplendent Quetzal bird remains the overarching biological and symbolic motif.