1 peso 1942

Common. The eBay price history provided shows consistent selling prices in the range of $2–$11 for VF condition specimens over more than a decade, with typical realized prices around $4–$7 for this grade. The 1929–1954 series was a long-running issue with substantial print runs. The Pick catalog lists at least five cataloged variants (P-380a, b, c, e, g, s), indicating multiple printings and serial series. The 2016 catalog value of $1.50 for VF condition further confirms this is a common circulation issue with no rarity premium. This note is of numismatic interest primarily for its artistic design and historical significance rather than scarcity.

This 1942-dated note was issued during a period of relative stability in Colombia under the Banco de la República's monetary authority. The iconography celebrates the nation's independence heroes—Santander and Bolívar—alongside allegorical representations of Liberty, reflecting the post-independence nationalist sentiment that characterized mid-20th century Colombian currency design. The July 20, 1942 date on the obverse corresponds to Colombia's independence commemoration, reinforcing the patriotic themes central to the note's artistic program.

The obverse features an ornate multi-portrait composition arranged across a field of intricate decorative scrollwork and geometric patterns in blue and tan. The primary portrait medallion on the left depicts General Francisco de Paula Santander in full military dress uniform, representing Colombia's Vice President and independence figure. An allegorical male figure with classical styling appears in the upper left, while a bust of Simón Bolívar occupies the right side of the composition. The center contains a large ornamental cross-pattern frame element typical of American Bank Note Company's security design methodology. The reverse displays a classical female Liberty figure in profile within a circular medallion, wearing what appears to be a laurel wreath or decorative headpiece, symbolizing freedom and national sovereignty. Both sides incorporate elaborate fleur-de-lis designs, heraldic shield frames, and complex guilloché patterns in the borders and corners, creating a thoroughly professional and secure design befitting the issuer's status.

Front side: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic), 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to the bearer), 'SERIE R' (Series R), 'UN PESO ORO' (One Gold Peso), 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA. 20 DE JULIO DE 1942' (Bogotá, Colombia. July 20, 1942), 'Gerente' (Manager), 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification), serial number 56608617. Back side: 'BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (Bank of the Republic), 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA' (Bogotá, Colombia), 'UN PESO ORO' (One Gold Peso), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification).

This note was produced using engraved intaglio printing by the American Bank Note Company of New York, the preeminent security printer of the era. The visual evidence of intricate line engraving, complex geometric guilloché patterns, fine portrait rendering, and detailed scrollwork throughout both sides is characteristic of high-security intaglio production. The precision of the engraved decorative elements, the depth of the portrait medallions, and the sophisticated security features—including multiple serial numbers and ornamental geometric patterns—all confirm the professional engraved intaglio method combined with multi-color letterpress overlay printing for the colored elements.

This note is identified as Pick P-380c, representing one of at least six known cataloged variants within the broader 1 Peso Oro series (1929–1954). The visual analysis indicates this specimen carries 'SERIE R' (Series R) designation in red, which helps identify it within the variant framework. The specific date of July 20, 1942 and serial number 56608617 are consistent with the 1942 issue date confirmed in the catalog data. Without additional comparative imagery of other P-380 variants, the precise distinguishing characteristics of the P-380c variety cannot be fully articulated, but the Series R designation and 1942 dating align with the published catalog entry. PMG has graded examples of multiple P-380 variants, suggesting variation exists in signature combinations, serial series, or minor design elements across the range.