1/2 escudos 1962

Common. This note represents a regular issue from the Banco Central de Chile and is readily available in the numismatic market. eBay transaction data confirms multiple uncirculated specimens selling in the $3-7 range as recently as 2025, with catalog values at $3 for UNC condition. The print run was substantial enough to ensure continued availability in the secondary market, and there is no evidence of recalls or limited distribution that would elevate its rarity status.

Issued in 1962, this banknote commemorates two pivotal figures in Chilean history: General Bernardo O'Higgins, the independence leader and Supreme Director of Chile, and Diego de Almagro, the Spanish conquistador whose 1536 arrival marked the beginning of Spanish colonial presence in the region. The Banco Central de Chile's choice to depict these historical figures reflects the nation's engagement with its colonial and independence-era heritage during the Cold War period. This 1962 issue comes from a transitional era in Chilean currency, before the country's later shift to the Peso as the primary monetary unit.

The obverse features a formal oval portrait of General Bernardo O'Higgins (1778-1842) in military dress with collar decorations, positioned centrally and surrounded by an ornate oval frame with decorative floral wreaths. The design employs intricate line work with geometric corner ornaments and scrollwork at the top, rendered in blue and pink/beige tones. The reverse depicts a historical engraving of Diego de Almagro's arrival in Chile, showing period sailing vessels with full rigging, period-dressed figures, and a coastal landscape with mountains in the background. Both sides are framed by decorative geometric borders featuring interlocking patterns and star motifs. The overall design reflects the refined aesthetic standards of mid-20th century Latin American bank note production.

Front side: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE' (Central Bank of Chile), 'MEDIO ESCUDO' (Half Escudo), 'CINCUENTA CENTESIMOS DE ESCUDO' (Fifty Centesimos of Escudo), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager), serial number '406829' and series designation 'C6', denomination marking '1/2'. Back side: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE' (Central Bank of Chile), 'LLEGADA DE ALMAGRO A CHILE' (Arrival of Almagro to Chile), 'MEDIO ESCUDO' (Half Escudo), 'CINCUENTA CENTESIMOS DE ESCUDO' (Fifty Centesimos of Escudo), denomination marking '1/2'.

This note was produced using intaglio engraving, as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, and detailed background pattern layers visible throughout both sides. The printer is identified as Casa de Moneda de Chile (CdM-Chile), the official Chilean state mint and printing facility. The security features include multi-layered fine line engraving, complex border patterns, and sophisticated geometric designs typical of professional security printing standards of the early 1960s.

This specimen is identified as Pick-134A, with the series designation 'C6' visible on the obverse. The visual analysis confirms the standard design characteristics: dark blue on pale orange and light blue underprint, red serial number (406829), and watermark of Diego Portales at left. PMG has catalogued one main variant for this Pick number. No overprints, date variations, or signature varieties are apparent in this specimen, indicating it represents the standard regular issue printing from 1962.