BOB - Bolivian Boliviano

Introduction to the Bolivian Boliviano

The Bolivian Boliviano was first introduced on 1 January 1987. This currency has undergone several changes throughout its history. Notably, the new family of banknotes for the Plurinational State has received several accolades, including the title of “Best Banknotes in Latin America.”

These banknotes have been recognized for their security features, aesthetic appeal, and the inclusion of notable figures from Bolivian history, earning praise at the “Latin American High Security Printing Press Conference.”

As of 2013, Boliviano coins and banknotes continue to be produced in foreign countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Chile, despite Bolivia's political independence since 1825.

Although Bolivia was once a prominent mint during the colonial period, the production of its own currency stopped due to a lack of political interest. Furthermore, there was a belief that foreign-made coins and banknotes could be acquired at a lower cost than those produced in Bolivia.

The history of Bolivian Boliviano

• From 16th to 19th century: Bolivia began using Spanish real coins. After gaining independence, the sol was introduced between 1827 and 1864, replacing the real at a 1:1 exchange rate.

• In 1864: Bolivia issued its first Boliviano, which remained in circulation until 1963.

• 1963–1986: The Boliviano was restructured into a new currency called the Peso Boliviano, with an exchange rate of 1 Peso Boliviano equals 1,000 of the first Bolivianos. This act was to address the high inflation dominating the country.

• In 1987: Bolivia introduced the second Boliviano to combat hyperinflation, with an exchange rate of 1 new Boliviano = 1 million Peso Bolivianos.

The current coin system of Bolivia is issued in denominations ranging from 10 centavos to 5 bolivianos. The coins have undergone several changes in materials and designs over the years.

There also have been many transformations with the Bolivian Boliviano banknotes, including overprinting on old notes or issuing new series with enhanced security features and designs.

In 2018, the Central Bank of Bolivia released a new series of banknotes, officially bearing the name “Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia” for the first time, reflecting the country's multicultural identity.

Bolivian Boliviano denominations

Currently, the Bolivian Boliviano is in circulation with the following denominations: 

Bolivian Boliviano Banknotes

The Bolivian Boliviano banknotes come in the following denominations:

• 10 Bolivianos (blue)

• 20 Bolivianos (orange)

• 50 Bolivianos (purple)

• 100 Bolivianos (red)

• 200 Bolivianos (brown)

Bolivian Boliviano Coins

The Bolivian Boliviano coins come in the following denominations:

• 1 centavos (steel)

• 2 centavos (stainless steel)

• 5 centavos (stainless steel)

• 10 centavos (steel)

• 20 centavos (nickel plated steel)

• 50 centavos (stainless steel)

• 1 Bolivianos (stainless steel)

• 2 Bolivianos (stainless steel)

• 5 bolivianos (bimetallic coin)

The observes of all the coins display the inscription “La unión es la fuerza”, meaning “Union is strength” in Spanish. Older coins feature the coat of arms of Bolivia along with the inscription “República de Bolivia” (Republic of Bolivia) on the reverse. The more recent coins showcase the coat of arms with the inscription “Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia” (Plurinational State of Bolivia), showing the multicultural feature of the country.

Bolivian Boliviano exchange rate

Bolivia applies a fixed exchange rate regime for the Boliviano (Bs). Since November 2011, the exchange rate between the BOB and the USD has been maintained at a stable level of 6.86 Bs for buying and 6.96 for selling.

This system allows Banco Central de Bolivia (the Central Bank of Bolivia) to make small, unannounced adjustments to maintain the stability of exchange rate. It also helps control inflation and ensures domestic economic stability.

Exchange rate history of Boliviano

• Before 1987: The country used Peso Boliviano, but due to the economic landscape and high inflation, this currency experienced severe devaluation.

• In 1987: The new Boliviano (BOB) was introduced to replace the Peso Boliviano with the exchange rate of 1 BOB = 1,000,000 peso

• 2011 - Present: The exchange rate between the BOB and the USD is maintained at a stable level of 6.86 Bs for buying and 6.96 Bs for selling.

Factors impacting on the value of Bolivian Boliviano

The value of the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Inflation: High inflation can reduce the value of the Boliviano. Bolivia has experienced high inflation in the past decades, significantly affecting its purchasing power.

• Economic conditions: Economic growth, foreign investment, and the production of export goods, such as natural gas and minerals, impact the currency's value.

• Monetary policy: Decisions made by the Central Bank of Bolivia to adjust interest rates and implement measures to control inflation have a major effect on the value of the BOB.

• Political situation: Political instability or social unrest can undermine investor confidence and negatively affect the currency's value.

The Bolivian Boliviano is a crucial currency in Bolivia's economy, with a rich history and various denominations. Its value fluctuations reflect the economic, political, and other domestic and international factors.