1 peso 1953
Market Prices
19 salesAbout This Note
A superb example of Colombia's 1953 1 Peso Oro note in uncirculated condition, printed by the prestigious London firm Waterlow & Sons. The note displays the characteristic blue and multicolor design with exceptional crispness and clarity, featuring the standing statue of Simón Bolívar, the iconic Puente de Boyacá, and a portrait of General Francisco de Paula Santander on the obverse, while the reverse showcases an elegant Liberty medallion in classical style.
Common. The 1953 Colombian 1 Peso Oro (Pick 398) is a standard regular issue that circulated widely. Evidence from the eBay market data shows numerous sales over an extended period (2013-2025) at modest prices, with UNC examples typically selling in the $9-$10 range historically and more recently ranging from $2.50 to $24. The catalog value for UNC is listed at $4.50 (2016). High print runs and widespread circulation make this a common date and denomination in the Colombian peso series.
Issued on August 7, 1953, this note commemorates key figures in Colombian independence and national identity. The Puente de Boyacá depicted at center represents the decisive 1819 battle where Bolívar's forces secured Colombian independence, while the inclusion of both Bolívar (shown as his famous standing statue) and Santander reflects their shared roles in founding the Colombian nation during the early 19th century. The Liberty allegory on the reverse reinforces the post-independence republican values of the fledgling nation.
The obverse presents a sophisticated three-figure composition: on the left stands a detailed engraved representation of Simón Bolívar's famous equestrian statue in military dress; the center showcases the Puente de Boyacá spanning a river landscape with trees and rolling hills, representing the site of Colombian independence; and on the right appears a formal portrait of General Francisco de Paula Santander in 19th-century military uniform with decorative insignia. The note employs a dominant blue color with pink/beige undertones and ornate floral corner emblems typical of high-security banknote design. The reverse features a classical female Liberty profile in a circular medallion surrounded by radiating sunburst lines, emphasizing the republican ideals of the Colombian state. Large decorative '1' numerals occupy all four corners within shield-like frames, while symmetrical ornamental elements frame the entire design.
Front side: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic), 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will Pay to the Bearer), 'UN PESO ORO' (One Gold Peso), 'SERIE A' (Series A), 'PUENTE DE BOYACA' (Boyacá Bridge), 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA', '7 DE AGOSTO' (August 7), 'GERENTE' (Manager), 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary), 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDRES' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London), plus serial number 39187628. Back side: 'BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (Bank of the Republic), 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA', 'LIBERTAD' (Liberty), 'UN PESO ORO' (One Gold Peso), 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDRES' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London).
This note was produced using intaglio (engraved steel plate) printing by Waterlow & Sons Limited of London, one of the world's premier currency printers. The fine detailed line engraving is evident throughout in the intricate border patterns, portraiture, and landscape elements. Security features include the detailed engraving itself, the complex ornamental border patterns, and the use of multiple colored inks applied through successive passes to create the multicolor blue and pink/beige underprint.
This example is identified as Series A based on visible 'SERIE A' marking. The note carries the standard issue date of August 7, 1953 ('7 DE AGOSTO 1953'). The visible serial number is 39187628. This represents the standard variety for Pick 398 with no known major varieties affecting collector value significantly, though signature variations and serial number prefixes may exist across the print run.
