1 escudos 1964
Market Prices
41 salesAbout This Note
This is an uncirculated 1 Escudo banknote from Chile issued in 1964 by the Banco Central de Chile, featuring a striking portrait of Arturo Prat in formal 19th-century attire centered on the obverse. The note displays excellent condition with no visible wear, creases, or deterioration, showcasing the intricate purple and mauve engraved design work characteristic of the period. The reverse depicts the Founding of Santiago with colonial military figures and the Chilean coat of arms, making this a historically significant example of Chilean numismatic art during the escudo currency era.
Common. This is a regular issue from 1964 with substantial print runs typical of the Banco Central de Chile's standard currency emissions. The eBay market data provided shows consistent trading activity with UNC examples typically selling in the $1.25–$6.00 range, and even PMG-graded examples (65–66) selling in the $12.50–$20.49 range. These modest prices and regular appearance in the secondary market indicate this note is common in all grades, including UNC.
This 1964 issue represents the Banco Central de Chile's regular currency emissions during the final decade of the Chilean escudo system, which would be replaced by the peso in 1975. The obverse honors Arturo Prat, the Chilean naval hero who commanded the Esmeralda during the War of the Pacific, symbolizing national pride and military heritage. The reverse's depiction of the Founding of Santiago connects the note to Chile's colonial origins and national identity, reflecting a common mid-20th-century practice of using historical imagery to reinforce state legitimacy.
The obverse features a high-quality engraved portrait of Arturo Prat (1828-1879), the renowned Chilean naval officer, depicted as a bearded gentleman in formal 19th-century attire with suit jacket and bow tie, positioned centrally within an ornate oval decorative frame. The portrait is surrounded by intricate scrollwork, geometric patterns, and floral elements in all corners, with denomination numerals '1' appearing in each corner. The reverse depicts a historical scene representing the founding of Santiago by Pedro de Valdivia in 1541, showing colonial military figures in period dress with spears and flags, accompanied by the Chilean coat of arms (featuring an eagle and shield with a star) on the left side and a vacant oval frame on the right. Both sides employ fine engraved line work and complex background patterning throughout.
Front side: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE' (Central Bank of Chile), 'UN ESCUDO' (One Escudo), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'ARTURO PRAT' (name of the portrayed figure), 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager), 'CASA DE MONEDA DE CHILE' (Chilean Mint). Serial number: '0197719', Series designation: 'Q 16'. Back side: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE' (Central Bank of Chile), 'UN ESCUDO' (One Escudo), 'FUNDACION DE SANTIAGO' (Founding of Santiago).
Lithographic printing, as specified in the realbanknotes.com reference data. The note was printed by Casa de Moneda de Chile (Chilean Mint), as indicated by the inscription 'CASA DE MONEDA DE CHILE' visible on the obverse. The intricate engraved patterns, fine line work, and detailed security features observed in the visual analysis are characteristic of high-quality lithographic production methods employed for currency during this period.
Series Q observed on this example (designated 'Q 16' in the serial number prefix). According to realbanknotes.com reference data, this issue exists in Series N, P, and Q. The serial number format appears to be a six or seven-digit number (0197719 observed here), with the series letter prefix. No other significant varieties (such as signature variations, overprints, or date variants) are indicated for this 1964 regular issue, though collectors may track examples from the different series designations.
