Who Is On the Argentine Peso? A Clear Guide to the Faces Behind the Currency
The Argentine peso (ARS) is more than a medium of exchange; it is a canvas that showcases the nation’s history, culture, and heroes. If you’re wondering who is on the Argentine peso, this article breaks down the people featured on both banknotes and coins, explains why they were chosen, and offers tips for recognizing genuine money.
Why Currency Design Matters
Banknotes and coins act as miniature history lessons. By featuring national icons, Argentina reinforces its identity and reminds users of the events that shaped the country. The designs also help combat counterfeiting, as each portrait is accompanied by intricate security elements.
Current Banknote Series (2023‑2024)
Since 2020, the Central Bank of Argentina has issued a series of banknotes that blend modern security features with iconic imagery. Below is a quick reference of the figures you’ll see on the most common denominations.
- 5 pesos – José de San Martín, the liberator who led the independence wars against Spain.
- 10 pesos – Manuel Belgrano, creator of the Argentine flag and a key figure in the early independence movement.
- 20 pesos – Eva Perón, beloved political leader and champion of social welfare programs.
- 50 pesos – Juan Domingo Perón, former president and architect of the “Justicialist” social model.
- 100 pesos – Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, educator, writer, and president who promoted public education.
- 200 pesos – Rosa Parks (special commemorative issue for International Women’s Day, featuring an Argentine female activist alongside her image).
Each portrait is rendered in high‑resolution engraving, surrounded by watermarks, holographic strips, and micro‑text that change color when tilted.
Coins in Circulation
Coins carry less detail but still honor notable Argentines:
- 5 centavos – The national coat of arms, representing the unity of the provinces.
- 10 centavos – The image of a guanaco, an animal native to the Andes, symbolizing natural heritage.
- 25 centavos – A stylized map of Argentina, emphasizing geographic identity.
- 50 centavos – The portrait of Julio Argentino Roca, a 19th‑century president known for modernizing infrastructure.
- 1 peso
