5 Pesos 'A' Foreign Exchange Certificate

Cuba's Foreign Exchange Certificate system ran parallel to the regular peso, designed to absorb hard currency from foreign visitors and overseas Cubans sending remittances. The 'A' series — distinguished from the 'B' series issued to diplomats and other privileged foreigners — was specifically intended for use by Cuban nationals who received dollars from abroad, channeling that foreign currency into state coffers while giving recipients access to goods unavailable through the standard rationing system.

Státní Tiskárna Cenin in Prague printed much of Cuba's paper currency through the Cold War period, a natural arrangement given the two countries' alignment. The FX certificate program ran until 1989, when it was quietly discontinued — only to be replaced by the convertible peso system years later.