50 pesos 1947
Market Prices
21 salesAbout This Note
This Chilean 50 pesos (5 Cóndores) banknote from 1947 represents a classic example of mid-20th century Central Bank currency design. The note features a portrait of Aníbal Pinto on the right side within an ornate oval frame, rendered in green with red serial numbers and blue signatures characteristic of the period. In AU condition, the note shows age-appropriate patina and creasing consistent with circulation, yet retains the fine detail work and decorative engraving that defined this issue.
Common. eBay market data confirms consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades from 2009-2025, with AU examples regularly achieving $15-26 in recent transactions (2014-2021). The 2016 catalog value of $5 for UNC and the steady flow of auction sales indicate this is a widely available note among collectors. While the 1947-1958 date range is broad, no specific print run scarcity has been documented for this Pick 112 variety.
Issued by the Banco Central de Chile during the immediate post-World War II period, this banknote reflects Chile's monetary stability claims with its 'Convertibles en Oro conforme a la Ley' (Convertible to Gold in accordance with Law) inscription. The portrait of Aníbal Pinto, a 19th-century Chilean president, connects the mid-century currency to Chile's constitutional heritage and republican traditions. Printed by Talleres de Especies Valoradas in Santiago, the note represents the technical capabilities of Chilean printing during an era of economic development.
The obverse features a left-aligned blank oval space (watermark area) and a right-positioned portrait of Aníbal Pinto, the Chilean statesman and former president, depicted in formal 19th-century attire with bow tie, set within a decorative oval frame. The reverse displays the denomination prominently on the left with ornamental frames and the Central Bank seal. Both sides employ intricate engraved scrollwork and decorative borders in all corners, characteristic of the Bank's security printing standards. The green-on-light-gold color scheme with German-style lettering at corners and left center reflects the European influence on Chilean security printing of the era. The watermark features Diego Portales, another significant Chilean historical figure.
FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE' (Central Bank of Chile), 'CINCUENTA PESOS' (Fifty Pesos), 'CINCO CONDORES' (Five Condors), 'CONVERTIBLES EN ORO CONFORME A LA LEY' (Convertible to Gold in accordance with the Law), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager), 'TALLERES DE ESPECIES VALORADAS - SANTIAGO, CHILE' (Workshops of Valued Species - Santiago, Chile), plus serial number and signature designation markings. BACK SIDE: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE CHILE' (Central Bank of Chile), '50' (Fifty), 'cincuenta pesos' (Fifty pesos).
Intaglio engraving (copper plate printing) executed by Talleres de Especies Valoradas, the official Chilean security printer in Santiago. The fine line work visible throughout both sides, the intricate corner ornaments, and the precise portrait rendering are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. The note exhibits the detailed texture and crisp impressions typical of steel die engraving, with the light-gold underprint applied as a secondary color element to enhance security features.
This note exhibits the 'with name under portrait' variety as noted in catalog reference (distinguishing it from P-94, which lacks the name designation). The visual analysis confirms signature varieties exist for this issue; this specific example shows the characteristic blue signatures of the 'Presidente' and 'Gerente General' positions. Serial number A 22 081392 indicates production from an early series. Known varieties include small and large signature types, with and without security thread variants, and two main signature combinations documented in the series.
