1 peso 1964

Common. The eBay sales history provided demonstrates consistent availability across multiple condition grades, with UNC specimens regularly selling in the $2-$6 range, indicating substantial print runs and steady collector supply. Catalog values from 2019 list UNC examples at $9, suggesting moderate collector interest but not scarcity. The note's circulation for decades and appearance in numerous auction/sale listings confirms this is a readily obtainable denomination from a major, regularly-produced issue by the Banco de la Republica.

Issued during the administration of the Banco de la Republica in 1964, this note commemorates two pivotal figures in Colombian independence: Simón Bolívar, the liberator of northern South America, and Francisco de Paula Santander, the vice president and military leader instrumental in securing Colombian independence. The reverse's allegorical representation of Colombia as a winged classical figure drawing inspiration from Greco-Roman iconography reflects the nation's early republican aspirations and cultural identity during the mid-twentieth century. This denomination and design remained in circulation for decades, serving as a fundamental unit of currency during Colombia's post-WWII economic development.

The obverse presents a formal bilateral design with two historically significant Colombian statesmen: Simón Bolívar in military dress on the left and Francisco de Paula Santander in civilian formal attire with bow tie on the right, each within oval portrait medallions. The central focal point features a large numeral '1' surrounded by elaborate laurel wreaths and radiating ornamental patterns executed in blue and red, with decorative shell or fan-like patterns adorning the top and bottom borders. The reverse showcases a classical allegorical female figure (representing Colombia or Liberty) depicted with wings and flowing robes in profile against a landscape featuring Andean mountains and tropical vegetation including palm trees, with a female portrait head in a laurel-wreathed circular medallion at the top center. Corner ornaments display the numeral '1' with 'PESO ORO' inscriptions, and the entire design is framed by intricate geometric borders in blue and red patterns typical of early-to-mid 20th century Colombian banknote design.

FRONT SIDE: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic) / 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR' (Will Pay to Bearer) / 'UN PESO ORO' (One Gold Peso) / 'BOGOTA, COLOMBIA' (Bogota, Colombia) / 'GERENTE' (Manager) / 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary) / 'ENERO 2 DE 1964' (January 2, 1964) / Serial numbers: '16625419' and '10025419'. BACK SIDE: 'BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA' (Bank of the Republic) / 'BOGOTA COLOMBIA' (Bogota, Colombia) / 'PESO ORO' (Gold Peso) / Numeral '1' (One) displayed in corner ornaments.

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing methods, evidenced by the fine, detailed line work visible throughout both obverse and reverse, the precise portrait engraving with subtle tonal gradations achieved through varying line density, and the intricate geometric and floral border patterns. The security features incorporated fine line engraving throughout the design, which served as an anti-counterfeiting measure. The Banco de la Republica employed high-quality security printing standards consistent with international best practices for currency production during this period.

This specimen represents the P-404b variety from the January 2, 1964 issue date. The Pick catalog system identifies multiple variants for the 1 Peso Oro base number, including P-404d and P-404e. The specific date 'ENERO 2 DE 1964' (January 2, 1964) printed on the obverse confirms this as the 1964 issue variant. Serial numbers visible as '16625419' and '10025419' in red ink are consistent with the series from this printing period. The note's design, inscription placement, and color scheme are characteristic of the standard circulation version rather than any commemorative overprint or special issue variety.