1 peso 1947

Common. Market data indicates UNC examples sell regularly in the $18-$41 range on secondary markets, with consistent auction activity over multiple decades (2011-2023). The print run for this series was substantial, and no specific production limitations or recall circumstances are documented for Pick-380e. The availability of multiple variant designations (380a, 380b, 380e, 380g, 380s) suggests significant quantity production across variants.

This note was issued during the post-World War II period when Colombia maintained the gold standard for its currency. The reversal in the portrait selections from earlier issues—featuring the founding military figures Santander and Bolívar—reflects Colombia's emphasis on national identity and republican values during the mid-20th century. The allegorical Liberty figure on the reverse and the formal bank promise 'Pagará al Portador' (Will pay to the bearer) underscore the nation's commitment to gold-backed currency and democratic principles of the era.

The obverse features a formal left-facing oval portrait of General Francisco de Paula Santander, one of Colombia's founding military and political figures, dressed in ornate military uniform with decorative insignia. Standing in the upper center-left is an allegorical female figure in classical Greco-Roman draped clothing, representing the Republic or Colombian national virtues. To the right is a profile portrait of Simón Bolívar, the Liberator and primary architect of Gran Colombia, also in military dress. The central ornamental feature is an elaborate rosette medallion containing 'UN PESO ORO' with radiating geometric patterns. The reverse presents a classical female profile portrait (Liberty/Colombia) within a large circular medallion, surrounded by ornate fleur-de-lis motifs, scrollwork, and shield emblems in the corners. Both sides employ intricate borders with fine crosshatching and geometric lattice patterns.

FRONT SIDE: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic); 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to the bearer); 'SERIE R' (Series R); Serial number 'A6831737'; 'UN PESO ORO' (One gold peso); 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA. 7 DE AGOSTO DE 1947' (Bogotá, Colombia. August 7, 1947); 'GERENTE' (Manager); 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer). BACK SIDE: 'BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (Bank of the Republic); 'COLOMBIA'; 'UN PESO ORO' (One gold peso); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), executed by American Bank Note Company of New York, a premier security printer of the era. The note exhibits the characteristic fine line work, complex crosshatching patterns, and deeply engraved detail that define high-security intaglio production. The ornate frames, medallic portraits, and geometric background elements were designed to prevent counterfeiting through reproduction complexity.

This note is Pick-380e, identified by the series letter 'R' visible in blue on the obverse. The visual analysis confirms the red serial number 'A6831737' with prefix 'A', which falls within the documented prefix range (A-F) for this series. The dated print notation '7.8.1947' (August 7, 1947) matches the cataloged date of issue. This represents a standard regular issue of the 1946-1954 emission period, with the specific variety determined by the Series R designation and prefix letter.