1 peso 1943

Common. Despite its historical significance and age, this 1 peso 1943 note remains common in the numismatic market. eBay price history shows consistent trading in the $7–$26 range across various grades (EF to AUNC) over multiple years, with catalog valuations (2016) of only $0.50–$5 depending on condition. The provisional nature of the issue and apparent moderate-to-large print run suggest substantial quantities survive. The AU specimen graded here aligns with typical market expectations for this Pick number.

Issued during World War II by the Banco Central de Chile, this provisional banknote was designed to facilitate commerce while maintaining the convertibility standard of the era—the obverse explicitly states 'CONVERTIBLE EN ORO CONFORME A LA LEY' (convertible into gold according to law). The prominent condor imagery reflects Chilean national symbolism and links to the earlier Condor currency unit, while the March 1943 date places this within a period of significant monetary transition in South American financial systems.

The obverse features the Chilean national condor (Vultur gryphus) rendered in heraldic style with fully spread wings, positioned within an ornate oval cartouche as the dominant central element. The condor serves as both the primary identifier of Chile's currency and a representation of national sovereignty. Surrounding the central vignette are intricate geometric and floral border patterns characteristic of mid-20th century security printing. The reverse maintains the elegant ornamental aesthetic with a simplified composition emphasizing the denomination 'UNPESO' within a symmetrical decorative frame flanked by wing-like scrollwork motifs, all rendered in purple on a cream underprint. The overall design reflects the Art Deco influence prevalent in currency design of this period.

{"front":[{"original":"BILLETE PROVISIONAL","translation":"Provisional Banknote"},{"original":"BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE","translation":"Central Bank of Chile"},{"original":"UN PESO","translation":"One Peso"},{"original":"CONVERTIBLE EN ORO CONFORME A LA LEY","translation":"Convertible into gold according to law"},{"original":"3 DE MARZO DE 1943","translation":"March 3, 1943"},{"original":"SANTIAGO","translation":"Santiago"},{"original":"UN DECIMO DE CONDOR","translation":"One tenth of a Condor"},{"original":"PRESIDENTE","translation":"President"},{"original":"GERENTE GENERAL","translation":"General Manager"},{"original":"TALLERES DE ESPECIES VALORADAS SANTIAGO, CHILE","translation":"Workshops of Valued Species, Santiago, Chile"}],"back":[{"original":"UNPESO","translation":"One Peso"}]}

Intaglio (engraved) printing, as evidenced by the crisp, detailed line work visible throughout both sides and the precise registration of the multi-color design elements. The note was produced by Talleres de Especies Valoradas in Santiago, Chile, a specialized security printer. The intricate cross-hatching, fine geometric patterns, and dimensional quality of the portraits and ornamental designs are consistent with high-quality intaglio production standards of the era.

This note is cataloged as Pick 90b, indicating it is the second variety of the 1943 1 peso provisional issue. The 'B-B' signature combination noted in reference material appears consistent with this specimen. Serial number B 53 is visible on the obverse. The March 3, 1943 date is the standard issue date for this series. No overprints, experimental designs, or unusual variety markers are evident in the visual analysis.