1 peso 1900 error
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About This Note
This 1900 Colombian 1 peso banknote from El Banco del Estado represents an early example of regional Colombian currency from the period of the Cauca Department. The note displays characteristic green and black printing on cream stock with an allegorical Justice figure on the obverse and the Colombian coat of arms on the reverse, both rendered in fine engraved detail. Despite showing age-related foxing, yellowing, and circulation wear consistent with its 124-year history, the note retains strong visual clarity and definition of its intricate decorative elements and handwritten signatures.
Common. The eBay price data shows consistent sales across a wide range of grades and conditions, with multiple listings in the $80–$300 range and several below $100, indicating adequate circulation in the collector market. The note lacks the characteristics of scarcity (no documented short print run, no recall, no extraordinary condition rarity). While condition grades vary in the eBay listings, the consistent presence of this note across multiple sales platforms and price points suggests it was produced in sufficient quantity to be readily available to collectors today.
This note was issued by El Banco del Estado during a period of regional banking autonomy in Colombia, specifically dated October 19, 1900, from Popayán in the Cauca Department. The inclusion of the Colombian coat of arms featuring an eagle, shield, and crossed elements reflects nationalist symbolism of the period, while the promise to pay 'al portador a la vista' (to bearer on sight) represents the bearer bond tradition of late 19th-century South American currency. The Cauca Department designation underscores the decentralized banking structure that existed in Colombia during this transitional period between the 19th and 20th centuries.
The obverse features Justice (Justitia) as an allegorical female figure in classical dress positioned on the left side, consistent with 19th-century republican iconography representing impartial law and governance. The reverse prominently displays the Colombian national coat of arms featuring a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings positioned above a shield, flanked by crossed ceremonial or national symbols — a design element common to Colombian state heraldry of this era. Both sides employ ornamental circular medallions in all four corners containing decorative geometric and floral patterns. The entire composition is framed by elaborate border designs with repeated institutional text, typical of the security printing conventions of El Banco del Estado. Handwritten signatures of officials (Secretary of Finance, Manager, Director, and Cashier) appear in designated areas, indicating the multi-authority authorization structure required for valid currency issuance.
OBVERSE: 'REPUBLICA DE COLOMBIA' (Republic of Colombia) — appears multiple times across top; 'EL BANCO DEL ESTADO' (The Bank of the State) — bold central text; 'pagara al portador a la vista' (will pay to bearer on sight) — payment promise below bank name; 'UN PESO' (One Peso) — denomination within central oval cartouche; 'Secretario de Hacienda' (Secretary of Finance), 'El Gerente' (The Manager), 'El Director Encargado' (The Director in Charge) — signature line designations. REVERSE: 'REPUBLICA DE COLOMBIA' (Republic of Colombia) — top center and borders; 'EL BANCO DEL ESTADO' (The Bank of the State) — vertical edges; 'DEPARTAMENTO DEL CAUCA' (Department of Cauca) — location designation; 'POPAYAN OCTUBRE 19de/900' (Popayan October 19th, 1900) — issue date and location; 'Manuel Caycus' (personal signature); 'El Cajero' (The Cashier) — official designation; '1 PESO' (1 Peso) — denomination in corner circles.
This note was produced using intaglio engraving, evidenced by the fine line work, ornate decorative borders, and high-relief detail visible in the allegorical figure and coat of arms. The multi-color printing technique employed black and green inks over a cream/off-white stock. The crisp definition of the intricate border patterns and the dimensional quality of the engraved elements confirm professional security printing standards of the era. The specific security printer for El Banco del Estado regional notes of this period is not definitively documented in standard catalogs, but the technical quality suggests work by an established Colombian or foreign security printing house.
This example is cataloged as Pick P-S504d and specifically noted as an 'error' variety distinguished by the absence of a printed serial number — a characteristic that separates it from variant P-S504c. The handwritten signature of 'Manuel Caycus' as 'El Cajero' (Cashier) and the date 'POPAYAN OCTUBRE 19de/900' are hand-applied elements indicating this is from the initial run of this authorization. Series D designation is present. The lack of serial numbering may reflect either a production oversight or an intentional design variation by El Banco del Estado for regional Cauca Department currency, making it a notable variety for type collectors focusing on Colombian regional banking notes.
