1 peso 1966
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2 salesAbout This Note
This is an uncirculated 1 peso oro note from Colombia issued July 20, 1966 by Banco de la Republica, representing the Pick-404c variety. The note features exceptional engraving quality with dual portraits of national figures on the obverse and an elaborate allegorical design on the reverse, centered on a winged female figure symbolizing Colombia overlooking a mountainous landscape. In UNC condition with pristine paper quality and no signs of circulation, this note exemplifies the finest Colombian currency design of the 1960s era.
Common. While catalog values list $40 for UNC specimens, eBay pricing data shows comparable VF examples selling for $3.50 and F examples at $2.25, indicating this is a readily available note in the collector market. The 1966 issue was a standard, high-volume production run for the Banco de la Republica. There is no evidence of limited print runs, early recalls, or scarcity factors. UNC examples command modest premiums but remain accessible to collectors.
Issued in 1966, this banknote reflects Colombia's mid-20th century monetary system based on the gold peso standard (Peso Oro). The allegorical winged female figure on the reverse represents the Colombian nation itself, while the mountainous landscape and palm trees symbolize Colombia's geographic diversity and natural wealth. The dual portraits on the obverse—Simon Bolivar and General Francisco de Paula Santander—honor the military and political architects of Colombian independence and the nation's founding republican principles.
The obverse presents two portrait medallions in ornate ovals: on the left, Simon Bolivar depicted in military uniform with high collar, and on the right, General Francisco de Paula Santander in formal dress with bow tie. These are flanked by laurel wreaths and separated by a central ornamental peacock with elaborately rendered spread tail feathers in blue and red. The entire composition is bordered by decorative geometric patterns in blue and pink/red against fine horizontal line work. The reverse features an allegorical winged female figure—personifying Colombia—positioned centrally with an industrial or architectural symbol to her left and an expansive landscape vista to her right including mountains and palm trees. Above this scene sits a circular medallion containing a female profile representing Colombia. Corner shields bearing 'PESO ORO' text complete the decorative scheme. The background throughout employs fine line work in orange and blue tones, characteristic of high-security currency design.
FRONT: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic), 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to the bearer), 'UN PESO ORO' (One gold peso), 'JULIO 20 DE 1966' (July 20, 1966), 'GERENTE' (Manager), 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary), Serial number '0521917' (appears twice). BACK: 'BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA' (Bank of the Republic), 'COTA COLOMBIANA' (Colombian quota/marking), 'PESO ORO' (Gold peso, repeated in corner shield designs).
Intaglio (engraved) printing with multiple color plates, typical of Banco de la Republica currency production. The fine line work backgrounds, intricate portrait medallions, detailed allegorical figures, and decorative border elements all reflect traditional engraved banknote production methods. The multicolored underprint and security features indicate sophisticated currency printing standards for the 1960s Colombian monetary authority.
This specimen represents Pick-404c, the standard 1966 peso oro issue dated July 20, 1966. The PMG population report indicates three cataloged varieties exist for this base Pick number (P-404d, P-404e, and P-404s2), all designated as peso oro variants. The serial number '0521917' is repeated in standard fashion on both obverse and reverse as typical for Colombian currency of this era. No visible overprints, signature varieties, or other distinguishing characteristics beyond the standard variety designation are apparent.
