1 peso 1900

Common. The eBay price data shows consistent market activity across a range of conditions from VG ($67.50) through AU ($299.95), with multiple listings in the $80–$200 range indicating regular supply in the secondary market. The note was a regular issue from El Banco del Estado and was produced in sufficient quantities to remain available to collectors today. While UNC examples command premium prices (supported by the AU pricing), they are not scarce—the denomination and regional issuer were standard banking practices. The absence of extreme price volatility and the presence of multiple comparable sales confirms this is a commonly encountered date within the series.

This note represents the financial infrastructure of Colombia during the early Federal period, issued by El Banco del Estado from the Department of Cauca region (Popayán). The prominent display of the Colombian coat of arms—featuring an eagle above a heraldic shield flanked by ceremonial staffs—symbolizes national sovereignty and the banking institution's authority to issue currency. The classical Justice allegory on the obverse reflects 19th-century republican ideals of fair commerce and lawful monetary exchange during a period of regional banking authority in Colombia.

The obverse features an allegorical female figure personifying Justice positioned at the left, rendered in classical style with draped robes and holding a torch or staff, exemplifying 19th-century republican iconography. The design employs a decorative green border frame with geometric patterns and contains denomination circles marked 'PESO' in all four corners, establishing the note's value at multiple points for ease of identification. The reverse displays the Colombian national coat of arms—an eagle surmounting a shield with heraldic details, flanked by flags or ceremonial staffs—positioned prominently on the left. The right side features the date, location (Popayán), and handwritten signature of the cashier Manuel Carvus. The entire design utilizes fine line engraving to create security depth and prevents easy counterfeiting through intricate detail work throughout both sides.

OBVERSE: 'REPUBLICA DE COLOMBIA' (Republic of Colombia) / 'EL BANCO DEL ESTADO' (The State Bank) / 'pagará al portador á la vista' (will pay the bearer on sight) / 'SERIE D' (Series D) / 'UN PESO' (One Peso) / 'Secretario de Hacienda' (Secretary of the Treasury) / 'El Gerente' (The Manager) / 'El Director nombrado por la Asamblea' (The Director appointed by the Assembly) / Serial number: 1038658. REVERSE: 'REPUBLICA DE COLOMBIA' (Republic of Colombia) / 'EL BANCO DEL ESTADO' (The State Bank) / 'DEPARTAMENTO DEL CAUCA' (Department of Cauca) / 'POPAYAN, OCTUBRE 1º de 1900' (Popayán, October 1st, 1900) / 'El Cajero' (The Cashier) / 'Manuel Carvus' (signed).

Steel plate engraving (intaglio) using fine line work to create the detailed allegorical and heraldic imagery. The note employs the traditional banknote security printing method with multiple color plates—primarily green underprint with black engraving for the primary design elements. The serial number appears to have been stamped in red ink as a secondary application. No printer's name appears on the finished note, as documented in the catalog reference. This represents the standard central banking currency production technique of the 1900 period for Colombian regional banks.

This specimen is identified as Series D, as marked on the obverse. The serial number 1038658 and the handwritten signature of Manuel Carvus dated October 1st, 1900, are specific to this individual note. The catalog reference P-S504c indicates this is the 'c' variety of the 1 peso 1900 issue; collectors should note that varieties within this issue may exist related to signature changes, series designations, or departmental variations. The Popayán location and Cauca Department attribution are notable geographic specifics that may distinguish this from other regional 1900 issues.