1 peso 1900

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows this denomination and type trading regularly across a wide range of grades ($20-$2000 USD), with multiple listings at modest price points ($67.50-$299.95 for VG-AU grades). The catalog designation as a regular issue combined with evidence of ongoing market availability indicates substantial print runs were produced. The note's presence in multiple condition grades on secondary markets confirms it was not a short-lived or recalled issue. While historically significant as an early Colombian State Bank issue, it does not meet criteria for rarity classification.

Issued in 1900 by El Banco del Estado during Colombia's transition period following the Thousand Days' War, this banknote reflects the nation's effort to establish stable currency through regional banking institutions. The Colombian coat of arms with its iconic condor (eagle) and shield symbolized national sovereignty, while the radiating sun design represented enlightenment and progress—common iconography for turn-of-the-century Latin American currency. The Popayán date and location reference the southwestern Colombian city that served as an important financial center during this era.

The obverse features a symmetrical design dominated by the Colombian national coat of arms (condor with spread wings above a shield containing a pomegranate) positioned in the upper left quadrant. A prominent radiating sunburst or sunrise design occupies the center-right area, serving both as a security element and symbolic representation of national emergence. Four corner medallions contain the denomination '1 PESO' in ornamental frames. Fine ornamental borders frame the entire design with laurel wreath motifs visible in the decorative scheme. The color scheme employs green as the primary color with cream/off-white underprint. Handwritten authentication elements (signature and date) appear centrally, indicating this was a partially pre-printed note completed with individual authorization details.

Front side inscriptions: 'REPUBLICA DE COLOMBIA' (Republic of Colombia) — main header; 'EL BANCO DEL ESTADO' (The State Bank) — issuing authority; 'DEPOSITARIO DEL CAUDA' (Depositary of the Fund) — functional description; 'PESO' — denomination; 'POPAYÁN OCTUBRE 9 de 1900' (Popayán October 9, 1900) — issue location and date; 'Samuel Caycedo' — authorized signature; 'El Cojero' — additional authentication or official designation. Back side: Minimal visible inscriptions due to fading in provided image, though the arms and date/signature elements are present as noted in catalog description.

Steel engraving with hand completion elements. The fine detail visible in the coat of arms, ornamental borders, and denomination medallions indicates classical engraving methodology typical of early 20th-century Latin American currency production. The green ink application over a cream underprint suggests multiple-pass printing. The handwritten signature and date elements were added post-printing, consistent with the semi-finished banknote practice employed by El Banco del Estado for regional currency issues of this period.

This example represents Series D as noted in the catalog reference. The specific variety is identifiable by: (1) Series D designation; (2) Hand-signature of Samuel Caycedo; (3) Date of October 9, 1900; (4) Popayán location marking; (5) UNC condition grade with crisp printing of the 'El Cojero' authentication element. Pick catalog number P-S504e indicates this is a documented variety within the 1900 1 Peso issue. Known varieties of this denomination exist with different series letters (A-D) and varying signature authorities; this example's Series D designation with Caycedo signature represents a specific identified variety within the family of 1900 Estado Banco issues.