1 peso 1972

Common. eBay market data shows this note in UNC condition has sold consistently in the $0.69 to $5.50 range over more than 15 years of tracked sales, with most UNC examples selling between $1.00 and $3.00. While PMG-graded examples (grades 64-67) command higher prices ($9.99 to $27.85), raw UNC examples remain affordable and frequently available. The large number of sales transactions across multiple years indicates substantial availability in the collector market.

This 1972 banknote was issued during a period of economic stability in Colombia under the administration of President Misael Pastrana Borrero. The note's reverse features an allegorical winged female figure representing Liberty or the Colombian nation against a mountainous landscape, incorporating symbolic imagery common to mid-20th century Colombian currency design. The specific date of July 20, 1972 corresponds to Colombia's commemoration of independence, reflecting the nationalist themes prevalent in the nation's monetary design during this era.

The obverse features dual oval portrait medallions in classical frames: on the left is Simón Bolívar depicted in military uniform with high collar (characteristic of his formal military dress), and on the right is General Francisco de Paula Santander in formal civilian attire with bow tie. These are separated by an ornate central shield with radiating sunburst design containing the denomination '1' and 'UN PESO ORO' text, flanked by laurel wreaths symbolizing victory and honor. The reverse depicts an allegorical winged female figure (representing Liberty) in profile against a landscape background featuring a snow-capped volcano (likely representing Cotopaxi or another Andean peak), mountainous terrain, tropical vegetation including palm trees, and architectural structures. A circular seal at the top center contains a female portrait. The entire design is surrounded by decorative geometric borders featuring interlocking patterns characteristic of high-security currency engraving. The color scheme combines blue/gray tones with pink/salmon highlights.

FRONT SIDE: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic), 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will Pay to Bearer), 'UN PESO ORO' (One Gold Peso), '20 DE JULIO DE 1972' (July 20, 1972), 'GERENTE' (Manager), 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary), Serial number '0822018' (repeated). BACK SIDE: 'BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (Bank of the Republic), 'BOGOTÁ COLOMBIA' (Bogotá Colombia), '1 PESO ORO' (1 Gold Peso, appears in multiple cartouches).

Steel engraving (intaglio printing) with multicolor processing. The fine line engraving, detailed cross-hatching patterns, and elaborate geometric borders are characteristic of traditional currency engraving techniques used by established security printers. The precision of the portrait details and the complexity of the allegorical composition indicate professional currency engraving, consistent with work performed for Banco de la Republica by international security printing firms during this period.

This example is cataloged as Pick P-404e, representing one of three known variants for this base Pick number (P-404d, P-404e, and P-404s2 are all listed as 1 Peso Oro varieties in the PMG population report). The specific variety P-404e corresponds to the 1970 issue with print date variants including July 20, 1972 (as seen on this note). The serial number 0822018 is a single example identifier; varieties for this type are typically distinguished by issuing date, signature combinations, and printer designations rather than serial number prefixes.