1 peso 1888

Common. eBay market data shows multiple examples in Fine condition selling consistently between $6.50 and $41.01 over the past decade, with a 2016 catalog value of $20 for Fine grade. The regular auction activity and moderate pricing indicate this was a standard issue with adequate print run. The visual condition, while showing appropriate aging, does not represent a premium variety. No factors (short print run, recall, issuer closure, or major variety characteristics) suggest scarcity.

This note was issued during a transitional period in Colombian financial history, shortly after the consolidation of the Banco Nacional de la República de Colombia as the official issuing authority. The prominence of Simón Bolívar's portrait reflects his status as the founding father of Gran Colombia and a national symbol, while the heraldic eagle with 'LIBERTAD' and 'ORDEN' on the shield emphasizes the republican values of the Colombian state. The use of the American Bank Note Company—a premier security printer of the era—demonstrates Colombia's integration into international financial systems and adoption of advanced anti-counterfeiting technology.

The obverse features a classical design with Simón Bolívar depicted in profile facing right within a circular medallion, shown in formal military dress with decorative chest embellishments characteristic of his high office. On the left side is the Colombian national coat of arms—an eagle with spread wings holding a shield inscribed with the national motto 'LIBERTAD' (Liberty) and 'ORDEN' (Order). The denomination 'UN PESO' appears in a decorative shield-shaped cartouche between these two principal elements. The reverse presents a frontal eagle with fully spread wings in an elaborate ornamental frame, surrounded by Greek key geometric patterns and laurel wreath motifs. A red circular bank seal or official stamp impression appears prominently, serving as an authenticating mark. The entire design employs fine line engraving with intricate cross-hatching and border work typical of high-security banknote production.

FRONT: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE LA REPÚBLICA DE COLOMBIA' (National Bank of the Republic of Colombia); 'Pagará al portador á' (Will pay to bearer at); 'UN PESO' (One Peso); 'EN MONEDA CORRIENTE' (In Current Currency); 'Bogotá, Marzo 1º de 1888' (Bogotá, March 1st, 1888); 'No 302684' (Serial Number 302684); 'SÉRIE Σ' (Series Sigma); 'EL DIRECTOR GERENTE' (The Managing Director); signatures of Aurelio Peñaloza Neda and Harris Juan de la Llanería. BACK: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE LA REPÚBLICA DE COLOMBIA' (National Bank of the Republic of Colombia); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, NEW YORK' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving), executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York. The visual analysis confirms the characteristic fine line work, cross-hatching, and intricate geometric patterns that are hallmarks of intaglio printing. The complexity of the border designs, the depth of detail in the eagle imagery, and the fine resolution of facial features in Bolívar's portrait all reflect the advanced engraving capabilities of this premier security printer. The multi-color printing (black, red, and tan/yellow underprint) indicates the use of multiple plates in sequential impressions.

This example shows Series Sigma (Σ) designation with serial number 302684. The catalog reference indicates 'at least 15 Greek and English series letters' exist for this issue, suggesting multiple series were printed. The specific series letter and serial number prefix can be used to identify the print batch, though no major varieties affecting value are documented for this Pick number. The signatures of the Director (Aurelio Peñaloza Neda and Harris Juan de la Llanería) are consistent with the 1888 issue date.