1 bolivano 1928

Common. The eBay auction history provided shows consistent sales activity with prices clustering between $0.71 and $10.49 USD across all condition grades from 2012 to 2025, with the vast majority of non-graded examples selling for under $5. The note's print run was substantial enough to support regular collector circulation for over a century. While this specific PMG 65 EPQ example with a repeater serial number is above average in condition and collectibility, the base note itself is common in the Bolivian currency market. The repeater serial number adds modest collector appeal but does not fundamentally alter the note's availability or market rarity.

Issued under the Law of July 20, 1928, this note represents the early monetary consolidation period of the Banco Central de Bolivia, which was established to modernize the country's financial system following decades of political instability. The prominent portrait of Simón Bolívar, the great liberator of South America, underscores Bolivia's national identity and honor to its independence hero. The inscription 'En Oro o Giros-Oro' (In Gold or Gold Drafts) reflects the gold standard monetary system still in effect during this period, though the note's 1952 'Misión' overprint indicates it remained in circulation through a later reissue or revalidation period.

The obverse features a central portrait of Simón Bolívar in three-quarter profile, depicted in 18th-19th century military dress uniform with an ornate decorative collar, enclosed within a circular frame. The portrait is flanked by heraldic torch or staff symbols. Large ornamental diamond-shaped cartouches in all four corners display the denomination numeral '1' and contain heraldic elements. The background employs intricate geometric scrollwork and decorative borders in brown and cream tones. The reverse displays Bolivia's national coat of arms—featuring an eagle or condor with spread wings—centered and surrounded by elaborate decorative scrollwork. Large diamond-shaped frames with the numeral '1' flank the central emblem on both sides. The reverse background in deep blue incorporates fine guilloche patterns and wavy security lines typical of high-security banknote design.

FRONT: 'La Paz' (La Paz - city of issue), 'Misión 1952' (Mission 1952 - reissue notation), 'Serie J16' (Series J16), 'Ley de 20 de Julio de 1928' (Law of July 20, 1928), 'El Banco Central de Bolivia' (The Central Bank of Bolivia), 'Un Boliviano' (One Boliviano), 'En Oro o Giros-Oro' (In Gold or Gold Drafts), 'Pagará al Portador a la Vista' (Will Pay Bearer on Sight), 'Waterlow & Sons Ltd., London' (printer), 'Simón Bolívar' (portrait identification), '047047' (serial number). BACK: 'Banco Central de Bolivia' (Central Bank of Bolivia), 'Un Boliviano' (One Boliviano), 'Waterlow & Sons Ltd., London' (printer).

Intaglio (steel plate engraving), the standard security printing method for banknotes of this era. The note was produced by Waterlow & Sons Ltd. of London, one of the world's premier security printers, known for their fine line engraving work. Evidence of intaglio printing is visible in the crisp, raised fine line work throughout both the portrait and coat of arms, the precision of the decorative borders, and the depth of impression characteristic of engraved currency. The red overprint 'Misión 1952' and serial numbers appear to have been applied as a separate printing operation.

This example is identified as Series J16 with the red serial number 047047, representing a repeater serial number variety (all digits match). The visual analysis confirms the 'Misión 1952' overprint on the obverse, indicating this is from the reissued/revalidated group printed in or validated in 1952, rather than the original 1928 issue. The catalog reference notes signature varieties exist for this Pick number; the visual analysis does not clearly resolve which signature variety is present. No 'EMISION' overprint is visible, confirming the standard issue type per the realbanknotes.com reference. Series designations A-D14 are documented in external sources, with this example appearing to be from Series J, suggesting a later or different printing/validation batch than the originally catalogued series.