1 peso 1968

Common. This is a regular-issue Colombian peso from 1968 with substantial print run. eBay market data confirms commonality: most graded examples sell in the $1–$3 range for VF/EF condition, with UNC specimens trading between $6–$12 on average, and even PMG-graded examples rarely exceeding $60. The catalog value for 2019 was $6 UNC, consistent with a widely circulated and still readily available denomination. While this specific UNC specimen may be desirable to collectors, the base note itself is not scarce.

Issued by Banco de la República on February 12, 1968, during a period of Colombian monetary stability following the adoption of the Peso Oro currency. The dual portraits of Bolivar and Santander honor the two founding military leaders of Colombian independence, while the reverse's allegorical representation of Liberty amid the Andean landscape reflects the nation's pride in its geography and democratic ideals during the late 1960s. This design continued the traditional iconography established in earlier Colombian peso issues, maintaining visual continuity with the nation's monetary identity.

The obverse features portraits of Simón Bolívar (left side, in formal military dress with high collar and decorations) and General Francisco de Paula Santander (right side, wearing formal jacket and bow tie). Between them is a Colombian coat of arms featuring a crowned eagle with outstretched wings, flanked by laurel wreaths, symbolizing sovereignty and honor. The reverse depicts an allegorical female figure with wings representing Colombia or Liberty, gesturing toward a snow-capped Andean volcano (likely referencing the Colombian highlands). A circular medallion at the top center contains a female portrait, with the text 'BOGOTA COLOMBIA' identifying the nation's capital. The entire design employs elaborate guilloche patterns, geometric borders, and fine line engraving typical of high-security currency production.

OBVERSE: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic), 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to bearer), 'UN PESO ORO' (One peso oro/gold), 'GERENTE' (Manager), 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary), 'FEBRERO 12 DE 1968' (February 12, 1968), Serial numbers '5587258T2' and '5587587'. REVERSE: 'BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (Bank of the Republic), 'BOGOTA COLOMBIA' (Bogotá Colombia), '1 PESO ORO' (One peso oro), 'PESO ORO' (Peso oro).

Intaglio (engraved) printing on multicolored underprint, executed by the Colombian government security printer. The note exhibits complex guilloche patterns, intricate linear geometric designs, and fine line engraving throughout, characteristic of professional currency manufacture. The use of multiple ink colors (blue, orange/peach, black) applied to a light cream background demonstrates advanced multicolor printing capability. Serial numbers are printed in red and black ink with security-conscious design elements.

This is identified as Pick P-404d, one of three PMG-catalogued variants for the 1968 Colombian 1 Peso Oro base type (variants include P-404d, P-404e, and P-404s2). The specimen displays the date 'FEBRERO 12 DE 1968' and serial number '5587258T2' / '5587587', consistent with standard issue characteristics. The visual design and signatures align with the documented regular-issue type with no overprints or special markings. The absence of a security thread, as noted in reference catalogs, is consistent with P-404d specifications.