1 peso 1971
Market Prices
80 salesAbout This Note
This is an uncirculated 1971 Colombian 1 Peso Oro note (Pick P-404e) issued by Banco de la República, displaying pristine condition with no signs of wear, creases, or damage. The note features exceptional intaglio engraving throughout, with dual portrait medallions of historical figures on the obverse and a striking eagle-dominated landscape scene on the reverse, rendered in blue, orange, and red. As a common-grade currency note from the 1970s Colombian peso series, its appeal lies in the quality of engraving and nationalist symbolism rather than rarity.
Common. This note was part of a regular issue (1970-1974) with multiple printing dates and appears to have had substantial circulation. Market data shows consistent eBay sales in the $1-$5 range for uncirculated examples over a 15-year period (2009-2025), with only professionally graded PMG examples commanding prices above $10. The 2019 catalogue value of $4 for UNC confirms common-grade status, and the persistent availability of raw UNC examples at modest prices indicates no scarcity.
This 1971 note was issued during a period of Colombian monetary standardization under Banco de la República, featuring Simón Bolívar (left portrait) and General Francisco de Paula Santander (right portrait)—two foundational figures of Colombian independence and nation-building. The reverse celebrates Colombian geography and national identity through its depiction of the Andean landscape, condor symbolism, and the personification of Colombia as a woman, reflecting the post-colonial nation's emphasis on territorial identity and republican values during the mid-20th century.
The obverse features dual portrait medallions in oval frames: Simón Bolívar (left, in military dress with high collar) and General Francisco de Paula Santander (right, in formal attire with bow tie), separated by an ornate sunburst design with the numeral 1 at center, surrounded by laurel wreaths symbolizing military honor and achievement. The reverse depicts a sweeping Andean landscape with mountains, palm trees, and waterfall/coastline, dominated by a condor with spread wings positioned over the natural scenery, with a circular medallion containing the portrait of Colombia (represented as a woman) at top center. The entire composition emphasizes Colombia's natural heritage, republican governance, and national symbols through classical engraving traditions.
Front side: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic), 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to the bearer), 'UN PESO ORO' (One gold peso), 'BOGOTA COLOMBIA' (Bogota Colombia), signature lines labeled 'GERENTE' (Manager) and 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary), and date 'AGOSTO 7 DE 1971' (August 7, 1971). Back side: 'BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA' (Bank of the Republic), 'REPUBLICA COLOMBIANA' (Colombian Republic), and denomination '1 PESO ORO' (1 gold peso) repeated in ornamental frames on left and right sides.
Intaglio engraving (steel plate gravure), the standard security printing method for Colombian currency of this period, evidenced by the fine line work, intricate geometric border patterns, and the precise detail visible throughout both obverse and reverse designs. The depth and clarity of portrait rendering and landscape details are characteristic of high-quality central bank currency production by Banco de la República's printing facilities.
This example is Pick P-404e, one of three catalogued variants for this base Pick number (P-404d, P-404e, P-404s2). The visual analysis shows the date 'AGOSTO 7 DE 1971' and serial number '68823120' (or '68023120'), consistent with the 1971 printing date specified in catalog data. The note appears to represent a later-stage printing of the 1970-1974 issue sequence, with no visible overprints or security thread features noted, confirming it as the standard regular-issue variant without additional security enhancements.
