The Nuevo Sol was introduced as standard Peruvian currency in 1991. Peruvian banknotes are divided into bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles. Each banknote pays tribute to a famous Peruvian from the history of the nation. The following is an overview of the famous Peruvians featured on Peru’s paper money since 1991.
Peruvian Money: 10 Nuevos Soles – Famous Peruvian: José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzáles
On the front of the 10 Nuevos Soles banknote is a portrait of José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzáles. Quiñones Gonzáles was born in Pimentel, Peru, in 1914. He joined the Jorge Chávez Aviation School as a cadet and quickly earned a reputation as a promising young pilot. He further caught the eye with his acrobatic flying. His trick of flying a plane upside down only meters from the ground appears on the reverse of the 10 Soles note.
Quiñones then rose through the ranks of the Peruvian Air Force, eventually being promoted to lieutenant. He became a Peruvian hero after giving his life for his country in the Ecuadorian–Peruvian war (1941-1942). On a bombing run against an Ecuadorian artillery battery, Quiñones’ aircraft sustained severe damage. With little hope of bailing out, Quiñones took the decision to fly his aircraft into the enemy position. He accomplished his mission, but at the cost of his own life.
