1 peso 1943

Common. This 1 Peso 1943 (Pick-90c) is a regular issue provisional banknote with substantial circulation history. eBay market data shows consistent availability with recent sales in the $9-$20.50 range across various condition grades, indicating steady collector demand but no scarcity. The 2016 catalogue value of $5 for UNC specimens further supports a common classification. While the provisional designation and wartime context provide historical interest, the note was produced in quantities sufficient to maintain ongoing market availability. No evidence of small print runs, recalls, or rarity constraints exists for this Pick number.

Issued during the final year of World War II, this provisional banknote represents Chile's monetary system during a period of economic uncertainty and currency transition. The prominent 'Convertible en Oro' declaration reflects Chile's adherence to gold-standard principles, while the designation as 'UN DECIMO DE CONDOR' (one-tenth of a Condor) connects to the Condor currency unit that had been fundamental to Chilean monetary policy. The 'BILLETE PROVISIONAL' designation indicates this was a temporary issuance, likely addressing currency supply needs during the wartime period.

The obverse features a horizontally-oriented design dominated by blue and gold coloring with cream underprinting. The central vignette depicts two stylized condor figures housed within an ornate circular medallion—the condor being Chile's national bird and the namesake of the currency unit referenced on the note. Decorative corner numerals displaying '1' frame the design, while elaborate geometric border patterns provide intricate security detailing. The reverse shifts to a monochromatic green/teal palette with cream elements, centered on an ornamental medallion containing 'UN PESO' surrounded by delicate scrollwork and flourishes. The entire reverse is framed by a fine lace-like border pattern with geometric corner ornaments and circular stamp or watermark impressions positioned on the left and right sides. This design represents typical Central Bank of Chile provisional issue aesthetics of the 1940s period.

FRONT SIDE: 'BILLETE PROVISIONAL' (Provisional Banknote) | 'BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE' (Central Bank of Chile) | 'UN PESO' (One Peso) [appears multiple times] | 'CONVERTIBLE EN ORO CONFORME A LA LEY' (Convertible into Gold According to Law) | '3 DE MARZO DE 1943' (March 3, 1943) | 'UN DECIMO DE CONDOR' (One Tenth of a Condor) | 'TALLERES DE ESPECIES VALORADAS - SANTIAGO, CHILE' (Valued Species Workshops - Santiago, Chile) [printer attribution] | 'PRESIDENTE' (President) | 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager) | Serial number designation 'C 51'. BACK SIDE: 'UN PESO' (One Peso) [central medallion inscription].

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing techniques, as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, ornate vignettes, and detailed lace-like borders visible in both the visual analysis and characteristic of the Talleres de Especies Valoradas (Valued Species Workshops) of Santiago, Chile. The sharp definition of the condor figures, decorative scrollwork, and security border patterns are consistent with high-quality intaglio production methods employed by this printer during the 1940s. The multi-color printing on the obverse (blue, gold, cream) and the monochromatic green reverse are typical of period Central Bank of Chile security printing.

This example is identified as Pick-90c, indicating it is part of the variant family of the 1943 1 Peso provisional issue. The presence of the 'C 51' serial number component visible on the obverse, combined with the March 3, 1943 date, the 'BILLETE PROVISIONAL' designation, and the Talleres de Especies Valoradas printer attribution, helps establish this as a specific variety within the provisional issue series. The series letter 'C' in the serial number may indicate a specific printing batch or series variant. No overprints or additional security markings beyond the standard design are noted, suggesting this is an unmodified version of the provisional issue.