20 pesos 1963
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a well-preserved example of Colombia's 20 Pesos Oro banknote from 1963, issued by Banco de la República and printed by the American Bank Note Company. The note displays the characteristic purple and cream color scheme with ornate engraved borders and two prominent portrait medallions on the obverse, while the reverse features an allegorical female figure representing Liberty. In VF condition, this note shows the crisp engraving and fine detail work typical of ABNC production, with no significant wear or damage visible.
Common. This note was part of a regular issue spanning 1943-1963 with multiple series produced (including Series U and Series DD as noted in references). eBay market data shows consistent pricing in the $2-$25 range for circulated and uncirculated examples, with VF-graded examples valued at $200 according to 2019 catalog data, but readily available on the secondary market. The extended issue period and substantial print run indicate high circulation and availability.
Issued on January 2, 1963, this banknote represents Colombia's currency during a period of economic transition in the mid-20th century. The two portraits on the obverse—Francisco José de Caldas (naturalist and founding figure) and Simón Bolívar (liberator of northern South America)—commemorate key historical figures central to Colombia's independence and national identity. The reverse allegorical figure of Liberty reinforces the nation's post-colonial identity and republican values.
The obverse presents a classical Victorian-style engraved design with two portrait medallions: Francisco José de Caldas on the left and Simón Bolívar on the right, both rendered in fine detail within circular frames. The center of the note features an elaborate baroque-styled ornamental cartouche containing the denomination '20'. Intricate scrollwork and geometric patterns form the decorative borders throughout. The reverse showcases a central circular medallion containing the profile portrait of an allegorical female figure (representing Liberty or the Colombian state) facing right, wearing a classical headdress. Radiating sunburst or fan patterns appear on both sides of the central medallion, with corner ornaments displaying the denomination '20'. The overall design employs purple/violet ink on a cream-colored background with black fine line work.
Front side: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic), 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will Pay to Bearer), 'VEINTE PESOS ORO' (Twenty Gold Pesos), 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA', '2 DE ENERO DE 1963' (January 2, 1963), 'SERIE DD', 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY'. Back side: 'BANDIA DE LA REPÚBLICA COLOMBIANA' (Bank of the Colombian Republic), 'VEINTE PESOS ORO' (Twenty Gold Pesos), 'ORO' (Gold), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY'. Both sides feature the denomination '20' in multiple locations and include signature lines marked 'GERENTE' (Manager) and 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), characteristic of American Bank Note Company's security printing methods. The note exhibits fine engraved line work throughout, complex ornamental borders, and detailed portrait engraving, all hallmarks of traditional intaglio security printing used during the mid-20th century. No evidence of other printing techniques is visible in the images.
This specimen is identified as Series DD with serial number 29797901, representing one of multiple series issued during the 1943-1963 period. The external references note a Series U variant in red, suggesting this DD series in the observed purple/black coloring represents a distinct variety. The specific date of January 2, 1963 on this note confirms it was issued late in the series' production run, potentially part of final year printings before design or issuer changes.
