Spain in the nineteenth century was undergoing a radical process of liberal and constitutional reform. One of the keys to progress was the modernisation of institutions and forms of payment in Spain. Banknotes, like the example shown here from 1835 (at the height of the first Carlist War in Spain), illustrate this desire for progress.

Founded on 9 July 1829 following the liquidation of the Bank of San Carlos (1783-1829), it coexisted with the Bank of Isabella II (1844-47) until the two were merged by a Royal Decree of 25 February 1847 under the name Bank of San Fernando, which took over the bonds issued by the Bank of Isabella II. From 1856 it became the Bank of Spain.

This issue authorised by a Royal Order of 3 June 1833 granting permission to issue 12 million reals, although the Board of Governors of the Bank of San Fernando only issued half this amount, in two series with denominations of 1000 reals (two thousand notes) and 4000 reals (a thousand notes).

Obverse: allegorical vignettes in a with the coat of arms of the bank (Fides Publica), flanked by medallions of “Castile” and “León” in the corners, and with a cornucopia at bottom centre. Individually printed by copperplate. The allegorical elements are executed by . Legends to the left and right of the note; intertwined lettering on the left: “Spanish Bank of San Fernando”; italic lettering on the right: “Death penalty for forgers”.

Reverse blank.

The plates from the 19 July 1830 printing were reused, having been retouched by the engraver Rafael Esteve (these plates were destroyed in 1843).

Manuscript signatures of “the Royal Commissioner” (the Count of Guaqui), “the Director” (Andrés Caballero) and “the Cashier” (Francisco Fernández Suárez). Serial number and denomination entered by hand top left and right respectively.