1 escudos 1962
Market Prices
6 salesAbout This Note
This is a Chilean 1 Escudo banknote from 1962 (Pick P-135d) in AU condition, featuring a striking purple/mauve color scheme with crisp engraving throughout. The obverse displays a portrait of naval hero Arturo Prat in formal 19th-century attire within an ornate oval frame, while the reverse depicts the founding of Santiago with colonial-era figures and the Chilean coat of arms. The note shows no signs of wear, creases, or stains, with clean printing and fine detail preservation characteristic of uncirculated specimens.
Common. Despite the catalog's modest valuation ($0.5 in VF, $2 in UNC as of 2019), the eBay transaction history shows regular market activity with pieces trading in the $2-$11 range depending on condition, with multiple sales across different years indicating consistent availability. The 1962 issue was a regular circulation note of the Banco Central de Chile with no known short print run or recall. Standard series A and B designations suggest normal production volumes.
This banknote was issued during a transitional period in Chilean monetary history, part of the Banco Central de Chile's regular issue series following the currency reform that established the Escudo. The imagery celebrates two pillars of Chilean national identity: Arturo Prat, the celebrated naval officer and martyr of the War of the Pacific, and the founding of Santiago de Chile, with the national motto 'Por la Razón o la Fuerza' (By Reason or by Force) prominently displayed on the reverse.
The obverse features Arturo Prat (1828-1879), the renowned Chilean naval commander and national hero, depicted in formal 19th-century dress with a beard, white collar, and bow tie, centered within an ornate oval frame with decorative scrollwork in the corners. The reverse presents a detailed engraved scene of the founding of Santiago de Chile, showing colonial-era figures in period dress gathered with flags and weapons in a landscape setting, commemorating the city's establishment. The Chilean national coat of arms with its eagle and shield appears on the left side of the reverse, encircled by an ornate frame. The note maintains consistent purple/mauve coloring throughout with cream/beige background tones and black line work.
FRONT: 'Banco Central de Chile' (Central Bank of Chile), 'Un Escudo' (One Escudo), 'Arturo Prat' (name of the portrayed historical figure), 'Presidente' (President), 'Gerente General' (General Manager), serial number '834809', series marker 'E7'. BACK: 'Banco Central de Chile' (Central Bank of Chile), 'Un Escudo' (One Escudo), 'Por la Razón o la Fuerza' (By Reason or by Force - Chilean national motto), 'Fundación de Santiago' (Founding of Santiago).
Engraved intaglio printing, characteristic of the Casa de Moneda de Chile (Chilean Mint). The visual analysis indicates intricate decorative line work, fine guilloche patterns, and detailed portrait and historical scene engraving, all hallmarks of high-quality intaglio production. The fine detail preservation in this AU specimen demonstrates the durability and clarity of the engraved plates.
Series marker 'E7' observed on this specimen. The note appears from series A or B as noted in catalog references. Serial number 834809 is present. Standard signature varieties exist with 'Presidente' and 'Gerente General' designations, typical of this issue's regular production. The visual analysis indicates no obvious overprints or error characteristics that would distinguish this as a notable variety.
