5 pesos 1929
Market Prices
4 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional example of Chile's 5 Pesos (1/2 Condor) from 1929, graded EF and issued by Banco Central de Chile on June 10, 1929. The note displays pristine condition with sharp, clear printing throughout, featuring a striking light blue obverse with ornate scrollwork borders and a brown reverse centered on a circular eagle seal. The "Billete Provisional" (provisional banknote) designation and convertibility clause reflect Chile's transitional monetary period during the establishment of the Central Bank.
Common. While cataloged at $25 in EF condition (2016 values), eBay transaction data shows regular sales in the F-VF range ($15-44), indicating consistent collector demand and adequate circulation in the secondary market. No evidence of restricted print runs, recall status, or scarcity. The standard Pick number cataloging and multiple series varieties (B-E mentioned) further support common status.
Issued during the early years of Banco Central de Chile's operations (established 1925), this 1929 provisional banknote represents the period when Chile was transitioning from the gold standard Condor currency system. The prominent inscription 'CONVERTIBLES EN ORO CONFORME A LA LEY' (convertible into gold according to law) and the eagle seal on the reverse underscore the note's tie to Chile's gold-backed currency framework, while the provisional designation indicates this was an interim issue during monetary system reorganization.
The obverse features an elaborate Art Deco-influenced design with light blue-green background and black/red printing, dominated by large ornamental frames containing the numeral '5' positioned symmetrically on left and right margins. Intricate scrollwork borders frame the top and bottom, with wave-like background patterns providing visual depth. The reverse displays a predominantly brown color scheme with a prominent central circular seal containing an eagle in left-facing profile, rendered in fine line work and surrounded by circular border text. Ornamental frames mirror the obverse's '5' placement, while geometric patterns and stippled background textures demonstrate high-quality engraving throughout. The eagle motif serves as the symbol of the Condor currency system and Chilean national identity.
FRONT: Banco Central de Chile (Central Bank of Chile) | CINCO PESOS / MEDIO GONDOR (Five Pesos / Half Condor) | CONVERTIBLES EN ORO CONFORME A LA LEY (Convertible into gold according to law) | BILLETE PROVISIONAL (Provisional banknote) | SANTIAGO (Santiago) | 10 de Junio de 1929 (June 10, 1929) | Presidente (President) | Gerente General (General Manager) | Series C79, Serial 104951. BACK: CINCO PESOS / BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE (Five Pesos / Central Bank of Chile) | SANTIAGO DE CHILE (Santiago of Chile) | MEDIO GONDOR (Half Condor).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving and stipple work), produced by Talleres de Especies Valoradas (Security Printing Works) in Santiago de Chile. The fine line work visible throughout, particularly in the background stippling, border scrollwork, and the circular eagle seal, is characteristic of traditional intaglio security printing. Multiple color passes (black, red on obverse; brown on reverse) were applied to the light blue/green and cream base stocks.
Series C79 with serial number 104951 (red print). This note represents one of the standard series (B-E range documented) produced during the 1927-1930 issuance period. Signature varieties and serial number size variations (large/small) are documented for this Pick number but are not distinguishing factors for rarity. The specific June 10, 1929 date places this within the provisional issuance window for the Central Bank.
