Featured People
Meet the war heroes, educators, artists, bank founders, and spiritual leaders who are honoured on Paraguayan currency. Their stories reveal what Paraguay values most: resilience, education, cultural identity, and faith.
Who Paraguay Honors
The people featured on Paraguayan banknotes—both historical and modern—tell a compelling story about national values. From the 1880s to today, Paraguay has chosen to honor those who rebuilt the nation after catastrophic war, educated future generations, preserved cultural heritage, and provided spiritual guidance.
This gallery presents all featured individuals alphabetically, spanning both historical banknotes (1880s-1890s) and modern currency (current circulation). Each person's story reveals a different facet of Paraguay's identity and values.
All Featured People (Alphabetical)
Co-founder of early Paraguayan banking institutions.
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Sisters who established Paraguay's first teacher training schools after the War of the Triple Alliance.
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Legendary classical guitarist and composer, regarded as one of the greatest performers and composers for the instrument.
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Greatest living war hero of the Triple Alliance War, later president and founder of Paraguay's Colorado Party.
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President who ended Paraguay's isolation and modernised the nation with education, infrastructure, and progressive social reforms.
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Represents Paraguay's Indigenous Guaraní heritage and bicultural identity.
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Co-founder of early Paraguayan banking institutions.
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Served as provisional president and held various ministerial positions in post-war Paraguay.
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American engraver whose work appeared on Paraguayan banknotes.
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First dictator of independent Paraguay, known as 'El Supremo', who fiercely protected the nation's sovereignty through isolationist policies.
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War hero who became president and champion of education, founding the Universidad Nacional de Asunción.
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Wife of bank director J. E. Saguier, featured on early banknotes.
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Common Themes
War Heroes Turned Nation-Builders
Patricio Escobar and Bernardino Caballero represent military valor transformed into political leadership. Both survived the War of the Triple Alliance and dedicated their post-war lives to rebuilding Paraguay through education, governance, and institution-building.
Educators as National Saviors
The Speratti sisters appear on the lowest denomination—the most frequently handled note. This placement suggests education is not an elite concern but a fundamental value woven into daily Paraguayan life.
Cultural Identity & Guaraní Heritage
Dora del Cerro and Agustín Pío Barrios "Mangoré" embody Paraguay's commitment to preserving its Guaraní heritage. Both performed in traditional attire and celebrated indigenous culture, representing Paraguay's unique bicultural identity.
Faith and Spiritual Leadership
San Roque González de Santa Cruz on the highest denomination speaks to the enduring importance of Catholic faith in Paraguayan society, paired with the Itaipú Dam to show faith and progress united.
Explore the Banknotes
See these people featured on historical and modern Paraguayan currency