5 escudos 1964

Common. This is a regular issue banknote from 1964 with substantial circulation. eBay sales data shows consistent activity across multiple years (2013-2025) with EF-graded examples regularly selling in the $2-$5 range, with occasional higher sales to PMG-certified examples. The 2019 catalog value for UNC is only $2, confirming this as a widely available note in the collector market. Print runs for Chilean escudos during this period were substantial, and no historical recalls or limited production runs are associated with this Pick number.

Issued by the Banco Central de Chile in 1964, this banknote commemorates two pivotal figures in Chilean history: Manuel Bulnes, who served as the nation's president during the mid-19th century, and the Battle of Rancagua (1814), a crucial engagement during Chile's War of Independence against Spanish colonial rule. The reverse imagery depicting this battle underscores its significance as a defining moment in Chilean national identity, while Bulnes' prominence on the obverse reflects his historical importance as a stabilizing political leader during the post-independence period.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Manuel Bulnes (1784-1866), Chilean president and military leader, depicted in three-quarter profile facing left wearing formal military dress uniform with decorative chest medals and insignia. His portrait is framed within an oval cartouche surrounded by elaborate laurel wreaths symbolizing victory and honor. The reverse showcases an intricate historical engraving of the Battle of Rancagua (October 2, 1814), depicting mounted cavalry and infantry soldiers in period military uniforms engaged in combat, with a fortified tower or church structure with spire visible in the background alongside fortified walls. A Chilean coat of arms featuring an eagle appears in the upper left of the reverse. Both sides are bordered with ornamental scrollwork and floral motifs in the four corners, characteristic of professional banknote engraving from this era.

Front side: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE' (Central Bank of Chile), 'MANUEL BULNES' (portrait identification), 'CINCO ESCUDOS' / '5' (denomination), 'PRESIDENTE' (President signature line), 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager signature line), serial number '123533', and series designation 'D17'. Back side: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE' (Central Bank of Chile), 'BATALLA DE RANCAGUA' (Battle of Rancagua), 'CINCO ESCUDOS' / '5' (denomination), and 'CASA DE MONEDA DE CHILE' (Chilean Mint/printer mark).

This note was produced using intaglio engraving, the dominant security printing method for banknotes of this period. The fine line microprint background patterns visible throughout both sides, the intricate geometric fills, and the detailed engraved portraiture and historical scene are hallmarks of steel plate engraving. The printer was identified as Casa de Moneda de Chile (Chilean Mint), which employed traditional high-security intaglio techniques to prevent counterfeiting.

This example shows series designation 'D17' and serial number '123533', indicating it is from series D. The visual analysis notes series A-E were produced for this issue. The watermark is Balmaceda (not visible in the frontal images but documented in catalog references). No overprints or other distinguishing varieties are evident in this specimen. The note represents a standard regular issue variety of the 1964 5 Escudos.