1 peso 1873

Common. The eBay market data shows multiple listings across all grades with prices ranging from $20 to $999, with typical VG-VF examples trading in the $20-$200 range. This wide availability and moderate pricing indicates substantial surviving examples. Regional Colombian banknotes from this period were issued in significant quantities to support local commerce, and the 1873 Banco de Santander 1 peso (P-S831) was not subject to early recall or destruction, resulting in adequate survivor population for the grade.

The Banco de Santander was established as a regional financial institution in Bucaramanga during Colombia's federal period (1858-1886), when provincial banks held significant currency-issuing authority. This 1 peso denomination reflects the transitional monetary system of 1870s Colombia, when local banks supplemented national currency circulation. The note's reference to the 'Provincial Government' decree and its local Bucaramanga dating demonstrate the decentralized financial authority characteristic of the Colombian Estados Unidos de Colombia period.

The front features 'BANCO DE SANTANDER' in an arc across the top center, anchored by a five-pointed star, with the denomination '1' displayed in ornamental circular frames at all four corners. Cursive Spanish text in the center describes the issuing authority and date of authorization. The reverse displays a symmetrical engraved design dominated by a large oval or shield-shaped central frame containing decorative circular medallions and floral patterns, with substantial winged scrollwork flanking the frame. Large circular '1' denominations are positioned prominently on both the left and right sides of the reverse. The entire design is rendered in fine engraved detail typical of 19th-century security printing, with the pink/mauve and beige tones characteristic of the period's paper and ink specifications.

Front: 'BANCO DE SANTANDER' (Bank of Santander), 'UN PESO' (One Peso), 'Serie Núm° 80127' (Series Number 80127), 'BUCARAMANGA, 1º de Junio de 1873' (Bucaramanga, June 1st, 1873), 'El Director 2º' (The Second Director), 'El Director gerente' (The Managing Director). Reverse: 'El Secretario de Hacienda' (The Secretary of Finance), 'Gobiernos Nacionales en Decreto del Gobierno Provincial, año de Enero de 1850' (National Governments in Decree of the Provincial Government, year of January 1850).

Steel engraving (intaglio printing), the standard security printing method for the era. The fine linework, intricate ornamental patterns, and consistent impression depth visible throughout both sides indicate professional bank note engraving. The detailed border work and repetitive numeral placement served as contemporary anti-counterfeiting measures. No specific printer attribution is evident from the visible inscriptions, though such Colombian regional notes were often produced by European security printers or their subsidiaries contracted by the issuing banks.

Series Number 80127 is noted on this specimen. The date '1º de Junio de 1873' (June 1st, 1873) appears to represent the issue date. The reverse references 'Enero de 1850' (January 1850), which likely refers to the authorizing government decree rather than the actual printing date. Known varieties for P-S831 may include different series numbers and potentially signature varieties from the identified directors ('Director 2º' and 'Director gerente'), though specific variant listings would require reference to detailed Colombian banknote catalogs beyond the current Pick designation.