1 peso 1943

Common. This is a regular issue of Colombian 1 Peso Oro notes from the long 1929-1954 circulation period, issued in substantial quantities by the Banco de la República. Market data from eBay shows consistent sales of similar notes across all condition grades, with comparable examples in EF condition selling for approximately $20-25 USD. Catalog valuations (2016) list UNC at only $15, indicating healthy supply in the collector market. The AU grade specified represents a desirable condition but not rare or scarce within this series.

This 1943 issue represents the Colombian banking system during the late presidency of Alfonso López Pumarejo's second administration, a period of economic development and modernization in Colombia. The prominent portraits of national heroes Santander (left) and Bolívar (right) reflect Colombia's deep connection to the independence movement and nation-founding period. The Liberty figure on the reverse emphasizes the republican values and democratic ideals that defined Colombia's post-independence identity during the mid-20th century.

The obverse features an ornate classical design with multiple portrait medallions: General Francisco de Paula Santander in military dress occupies the left oval medallion with decorative chest insignia; Simón Bolívar appears in right profile with period military uniform and curled hair; a standing allegorical male figure in classical military dress appears in the upper left; and a standing female figure in classical style appears in the upper right representing virtues of the republic. The center features an elaborate decorative shield with radiating ornamental patterns, flanked by eagle motifs in corner ornaments. The reverse displays a large circular medallion containing a female profile portrait representing Liberty or the Colombian Republic (Republica personified), surrounded by ornate guilloche patterns, floral corner blocks, and crown/laurel wreath imagery. The overall composition employs symmetrical classical design principles typical of early-to-mid 20th century international banknote design.

Front side: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic), 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to bearer), 'UN PESO ORO' (One peso gold), 'SERIE R' (Series R), Serial number '70586694', 'GERENTE' (Manager), 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary), 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA, 20 DE JULIO DE 1943' (Bogota, Colombia, July 20, 1943), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY'. Back side: 'BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (Bank of the Republic), 'UN PESO ORO' (One peso gold).

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing by the American Bank Note Company of New York, the primary security printer for Colombian currency during this period. The technique is evidenced by the extensive fine line work, complex guilloche background patterns, detailed cross-hatching in portrait medallions, and intricate filigree work throughout. These security printing methods, including the elaborate ornamental borders and anti-counterfeiting design elements, were characteristic of ABNC's high-security banknote production.

This note is identified as Pick P-380c variant from the 1943 date printing, evidenced by the date 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA, 20 DE JULIO DE 1943' printed on the obverse and the 'SERIE R' designation in red as documented in catalog references. The serial number 70586694 is specific to this individual note. Multiple variants of the 1 Peso Oro exist under the base Pick number P-380 (variants a, b, c, e, g, s documented by PMG), which differ by printing dates, series letters, and signature combinations across the 1929-1954 issue period. This specific 1943 printing with Series R and July 20 date is the variant designated P-380c.