1 bolivano 1911

Common. This note appears with considerable frequency in the market, as evidenced by eBay sold price data showing examples trading regularly between $2–$46 USD depending on condition grade, with catalog values for EF specimens at only $10. The Banco de la Nación Boliviana issued these notes in substantial quantities across multiple series (A1–J1 noted), and many examples have survived into the modern era. The AU condition grade of this specific specimen places it above typical circulated examples but not so rare as to command premium pricing; comparable AU examples have sold for $34–$46, consistent with common-to-uncommon status.

Issued in 1911 during Bolivia's early republican period, this banknote represents the modernization of the Bolivian monetary system under the Banco de la Nación Boliviana, which maintained centralized control over currency issuance. The depicted Mercury figure and industrial landscape symbolize progress and economic development, while the reverse's elaborate coat of arms—featuring the condor, national flags, and palm tree—reinforced Bolivian national identity during a period of political consolidation. The engraving by the prestigious American Bank Note Company of New York reflects Bolivia's reliance on foreign expertise for security printing, a common practice among Latin American nations establishing modern banking systems in the early 1900s.

The obverse features an allegorical female figure representing Mercury or Liberty, depicted seated in classical drapery and holding a staff, positioned as the dominant central vignette. Behind this figure is a landscape depicting an industrial waterfront scene with structures and waterways, symbolizing commercial progress. The design is framed by elaborate ornamental borders incorporating geometric and floral patterns, laurel motifs in the corners, and classical architectural elements. Ornate rectangular frames in the top corners contain the denomination '1'. The reverse displays the Bolivian coat of arms as the central focus—a complex heraldic composition featuring a condor, national flags, spears, a palm tree, and other symbolic elements—all contained within an oval frame surrounded by laurel wreaths and decorative circular borders. The denomination '1' again appears in ornate frames at top left and right. Both sides showcase the fine line engraving characteristic of ABNC's premium security printing.

FRONT: 'EL BANCO DE LA NACION BOLIVIANA' (The Bank of the Bolivian Nation); 'LA PAZ' (La Paz); 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR A LA VISTA' (Will pay to bearer on sight); '11 de Mayo de 1911' (May 11, 1911); 'UN BOLIVIANO' (One Boliviano); 'EN MONEDA CORRIENTE' (In current currency); 'No 035553' (serial number); 'SERIE F1' (Series F1); 'American Bank Note Co. New York' (printer); 'GOBERNOR' (Governor); 'DELEGADO' (Delegate). BACK: 'BANCO DE LA NACION BOLIVIANA' (Bank of the Bolivian Nation); 'American Bank Note Company, New York' (printer).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) produced by the American Bank Note Company of New York, executed on multiple plates to achieve the multicolor effect (green, black, and tan/beige on the obverse; green and black on the reverse). The note incorporates complex security features through intricate geometric and floral guilloche patterns, fine-lined borders, and detailed allegorical and heraldic vignettes typical of ABNC's signature style. Red letterpress printing was applied separately for the series designation and serial number. The multiple passes and color coordination demonstrate the advanced security printing standards of the period.

This note exhibits Series F1 with serial number 035553, placing it within the F series mentioned in catalog references. The visual analysis confirms this is the variant with different guilloches compared to Pick P-102 (as noted in external references), and this is distinct from the P-112 variant which bears an overprint 'Banco Central de Bolivia'. Signature varieties are documented for this issue, though the specific signatures on this specimen are not definitively legible in the analysis. The red series designation F1 and corresponding serial number range help identify this as part of the standard circulation issue rather than a special printing or emergency issue.