2 pesos 1950
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1 saleAbout This Note
This is a Colombian 2 Pesos Oro note from 1950, issued by Banco de la Republica and printed by American Bank Note Company. The note displays excellent condition consistent with VF grading, featuring crisp, well-preserved green and pink ornamental borders on the obverse with a centered portrait in formal 19th-century dress, and a reverse in purple/violet tones depicting a classical female allegorical figure representing the Republic. The fine line engraving throughout, intricate decorative patterns, and detailed portrait work exemplify the high-quality security printing standards of the era.
Common. This note is from a regular issue with a substantial print run, as indicated by the Series GG designation and the wide availability suggested by catalog data. The 2016 catalogue values show VF specimens at only $2.50, and even uncirculated examples sold for approximately $56 on eBay, placing this well within common circulated banknote territory. The 1942-1955 series was produced in quantity, and this denomination and condition grade appear with reasonable frequency in the market.
This note was issued during a transitional period in Colombian monetary policy (1942-1955 series), when the country was moving toward modernizing its currency system. The 2 Pesos Oro denomination represents the gold standard valuation system still in use during mid-20th century Colombia. The Banco de la Republica, established as the central bank, maintained control of currency issuance, with the American Bank Note Company of New York serving as the security printer—reflecting Colombia's reliance on established international printing firms for banknote production.
The obverse features a formal male portrait, identified as Camilo Torres (a prominent Colombian historical figure), rendered in profile facing left within an ornate oval frame, surrounded by elaborate decorative scrollwork and floral patterns in green and pink/red tones. The denomination '2' appears in decorative frames at all four corners. The reverse displays an allegorical female profile facing right representing Liberty or the Colombian Republic, enclosed in a circular medallion with radiating decorative elements including wing-like or leaf-like ornamental designs. Both sides employ symmetrical, classical design principles typical of early-to-mid 20th century security printing, with fine line engraving providing detailed texture throughout.
Front: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic); 'SERIE GG' (Series GG); 'BOGOTA, COLOMBIA' (location of issue); '1 DE ENERO DE 1950' (January 1, 1950); 'GERENTE' (Manager); 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary); 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to bearer); 'DOS PESOS ORO' (Two Gold Pesos); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification); Serial number: 2860619. Back: 'REPUBLICA DE COLOMBIA' (Republic of Colombia); 'DOS PESOS ORO' (Two Gold Pesos); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification).
Intaglio (engraved) printing by American Bank Note Company, New York. The note exhibits characteristic fine line engraving with intricate decorative borders, detailed portrait rendering with fine cross-hatching, and complex geometric and floral security patterns. The precision of the line work and the depth of the printed image are consistent with high-quality steel plate engraving, the standard security printing method for banknotes of this period.
Series GG variant as noted on the obverse. The visual analysis confirms the signature block configuration with 'GERENTE' (Manager) and 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary) positions on the front, and the back design lacks a title above the 'CAJERO' (Cashier) position, matching the pattern described for this type. Serial number 2860619 indicates mid-range numbering within the series. The specific January 1, 1950 date aligns with the 1950 Pick designation (P-390c), distinguishing it from earlier or later date varieties within the 1942-1955 series.
