10 pesos 1963
Market Prices
6 salesAbout This Note
This Colombian 10 Pesos Oro note from 1963 (Pick P-389f) displays the classic elegance of early 20th-century Colombian currency design, featuring General Antonio Nariño on the obverse and an allegorical Liberty figure on the reverse. The note shows moderate circulation wear consistent with its age, with visible creasing, foxing, and discoloration throughout the paper, placing it in Good (G) condition. The fine engraving and ornate decorative borders remain well-preserved, showcasing the American Bank Note Company's craftsmanship.
Common. This is a regular issue note from a 22-year series (1941-1963) with substantial print runs. Catalog values from 2016 indicate VG at $0.25 and UNC at $7.50. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $6-$10 range for circulated examples, with even high-grade (PMG 65) specimens reaching only $89. The abundance of market transactions and low valuations confirm this is a readily available note in all grades.
This note was issued on January 2, 1963, during a period when Colombia maintained gold-backed currency (Pesos Oro). The prominent portrait of General Antonio Nariño, a founding figure of Colombian independence and the nation's first Vice President, reflects Colombia's veneration of its revolutionary heritage. The allegorical Liberty figure on the reverse symbolizes the republican ideals central to Colombia's national identity and constitutional governance during this mid-20th-century period.
The obverse features a portrait of General Antonio Nariño positioned in the lower right, depicted in formal 19th-century military attire in profile facing right. The reverse contains a classical allegorical female figure (Liberty) in a prominent circular ornamental medallion at center, also in right profile. Both sides employ ornate decorative corner frames, floral corner ornaments, and multiple denomination frames. The color palette is rich and distinctive: the front dominates in purple, brown, and green tones with beige accents, while the reverse emphasizes green as the primary color with fine engraved line patterns throughout. The central cartouche on both sides frames the 'DIEZ PESOS ORO' denomination text with elaborate flourishes characteristic of early-20th-century high-security currency design.
FRONT: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic), 'DIEZ PESOS ORO' (Ten Gold Pesos), 'BOGOTA, COLOMBIA' (Bogota, Colombia), '2 DE ENERO DE 1963' (January 2, 1963), 'SERIE EB' (Series EB), 'GERENTE' (Manager), 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary). Serial number: I 2I 00444. BACK: 'DIEZ PESOS ORO' (Ten Gold Pesos), 'REPUBLICA DE COLOMBIA' (Republic of Colombia), 'AMERICAN BANKNOTE COMPANY' (American Banknote Company printer attribution).
Steel engraving (intaglio/line engraving) executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York, as credited on the reverse. The intricate fine line engraving, ornate decorative patterns, and complex circular medallion framing visible throughout both sides are hallmarks of this advanced security printing technique. The serial number appears in red, indicating separate printing or overprinting. The multi-color design with distinct color separations for obverse (purple/brown/green) and reverse (predominantly green) demonstrates sophisticated multi-plate engraving coordination.
This specific example is identified as Series EB with serial number I 2I 00444. The visual analysis notes indicate 'CAJERO and signature on back' as a distinguishing feature for some examples of this issue. The series designation and serial number suggest this is a mid-range printing from the 1963 issue. No overprints or unusual markings are apparent, though the handwritten annotations visible on the front may indicate collector notation rather than an official variety marker.
