10 pesos 1925

Common. The eBay market data shows VF examples selling for approximately $200 and catalog values for F grade at $12.50 (as of 2016). These low market prices and active trading volume indicate this is a readily available note in the collector market. As a provisional issue from 1925, it was produced in sufficient quantities for general circulation, and many examples have survived. The note is not from a recalled series or short-lived issuer, further supporting common status.

This provisional banknote was issued during Chile's transition to central banking under the 1925 Constitution, representing the early monetary reforms of that period. The allegorical female figure depicted embodies the Chilean Republic, while the denomination 'Un Condor' references the condor, a national symbol of Chile, reflecting the nation's effort to establish a modern, centralized currency system. The date of December 10, 1925, marks one of the earliest issues of the newly established Banco Central de Chile, making this note significant to Chilean monetary history.

The front of this note features an allegorical personification of the Chilean Republic (República) seated on the left side in classical pose, holding a shield emblazoned with a five-pointed star representing the nation. She is flanked by elaborate baroque-style ornamental frames with serpent motifs and floral wreaths. The right side contains a circular medallion with a portrait (likely a Chilean national figure), though details are obscured in the image. The entire composition is bordered by Greek key patterns and decorative shield shapes with geometric and floral elements. The reverse features a symmetrical design of baroque ornamentation with sunburst motifs on both sides and a large central cartouche frame, with the denomination prominently displayed. All elements are rendered in fine engraved linework characteristic of high-security banknote production.

FRONT: 'BANCO GENERAL DE CHILE' (General Bank of Chile) / 'REPÚBLICA DE CHILE' (Republic of Chile) / 'BILLETE PROVISIONAL' (Provisional Banknote) / 'Un Condor' (One Condor) / 'DIEZ PESOS ORO' (Ten Gold Pesos) / 'VALE POR DIEZ PESOS' (Worth Ten Pesos) / 'Convertibles en Oro conforme a la ley' (Convertible in Gold According to Law) / 'SANTIAGO' (Santiago) / '10 DE DICIEMBRE DE 1925' (December 10, 1925) / 'Presidente' (President) / 'Gerente General' (General Manager) / 'BANCO CENTRAL' (Central Bank) / Serial numbers and series designators. BACK: 'DIEZ PESOS' (Ten Pesos) / 'IMP. FISCAL. CHILE' (Fiscal Printing, Chile - printer's mark).

This note was produced using intaglio engraving (recess printing), the standard security-printing technique for banknotes of this era. The printer was Imprenta Fiscal (Fiscal Printing), Santiago de Chile, as indicated by the mark 'IMP. FISCAL. CHILE' on the reverse. The fine line engraving, guilloche patterns, detailed crosshatching, and the sharp clarity of intricate ornamental designs observed throughout confirm professional intaglio production. The complexity of the vignettes and borders was specifically designed to prevent counterfeiting.

This note is identifiable as a regular issue from December 10, 1925, designated Pick 73. The observed serial number '080055' and series designator 'A' are consistent with early production runs. No significant varieties (such as signature variations, major overprints, or color differences) are apparent from the visual analysis. This represents the standard variety of the P-73 issue.