1 peso 1954

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales activity with prices ranging from $4 to $90 USD depending on condition grade (mostly under $20 for circulated examples), indicating healthy market availability. The 2016 catalogue value for UNC is listed at $7, further supporting common status. The note was part of a regular issue spanning 1929-1954 with multiple catalogued varieties (P-380a through P-380s), suggesting substantial print runs. While this specific P-380g variety in UNC condition is desirable to collectors, it is not scarce.

Issued in 1954, this note reflects Colombia's mid-20th century monetary system and commemorates the nation's foundational independence heroes. General Santander and Simón Bolívar, depicted in military dress, represent the country's republican and revolutionary traditions, while the Liberty allegorical figure on the reverse symbolizes Colombian independence and democratic ideals. The 'Pagará al Portador' (payable to bearer) language reflects the banknote practices of this era, before modern security features and anti-counterfeiting measures were introduced.

The obverse features an ornate design dominated by two portrait medallions in blue oval frames: on the left, General Francisco de Paula Santander in military dress with distinctive curled hair, and on the right, a profile bust of Simón Bolívar facing rightward. Between these portraits is a decorative oval medallion containing an allegorical female figure (representing Colombia or Liberty) with shield and sword imagery. The entire composition is framed by elaborate floral borders, fleur-de-lis corner elements, and fine cross-hatching work typical of high-security banknote design. The reverse presents a singular, centralized design: a large circular medallion containing a right-facing female profile representing 'Libertad Colombiana' (Colombian Liberty), surrounded by symmetrical ornamental borders, laurel wreaths, and architectural-style framing elements. The color palette throughout is predominantly dark blue on cream/white paper with subtle orange and green accents.

Front side: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic), 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will Pay to Bearer), 'SERIE HH' (Series HH), serial number '56807139', 'UN PESO ORO' (One Gold Peso), 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA 1º DE ENERO DE 1954' (Bogotá, Colombia, January 1st, 1954), 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary), and 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution). Back side: 'BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (Bank of the Republic), 'LIBERTAD COLOMBIANA' (Colombian Liberty), 'UN PESO ORO' (One Gold Peso), and 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), the primary security printing method employed by the American Bank Note Company. The visual analysis confirms the characteristic features of this technique: extremely fine and intricate line work, complex cross-hatching and shading throughout, multiple color printing (blue on multicolor underprint on obverse), elaborate ornamental borders with precision detail, and the crisp impression of deeply engraved plates. The ABNC imprint confirms this New York-based security printer's renowned craftsmanship.

This note is identified as Pick catalog number P-380g, indicating it is a distinct variety within the 1 Peso Oro series. The visual analysis confirms Series HH designation and serial number 56807139. The obverse inscription 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA 1º DE ENERO DE 1954' confirms the 1954 issue date. PMG records indicate at least five catalogued varieties (P-380a, P-380b, P-380e, P-380g, P-380s) for this denomination, likely differentiated by series letters, signature combinations, or minor design variations. This specimen represents the P-380g variety specifically.