Jesus C. writes: I have a Venezuelan bank note from American Bank Note Co. that has kind of a Goddess holding a globe and on the reverse two angels. I would like to know who these gods were.This bank note was issued by the Banco Mercantil y Agricola, a private bank before 1940. Thanks in advance.- Jesus, Caracas, Venezuela.
The design featuring a reclining allegorical female figure supporting a shield with the bank’s monogram and globe at center appears on the 1929-35 issues of the 10, 20 and 100 BolÃvares of the Banco Mercantil Y AgrÃcola.
One could surmise that the figure represents Agriculture and Industry but was probably chosen by the bank from the American Bank Note Company’s catalog of engraved images. It was cheaper to use an existing engraving than to commission an original design. Thus the images were simply designs from the imagination of a ABNC engraver. It is not unusual to find similar or even the exact design on other currencies.
