5 pesos 1938

Common. Market data indicates steady availability with eBay sales in the $120-$299 range across various condition grades (VG to PMG 65) over recent decades, with catalog values (2016) ranging from $7.50 (VG) to $120 (UNC). The note was produced by a major international printer (ABNC) during normal currency circulation, with no documented print run restrictions or recall issues. Series A designation and serial number 1686100 represent standard issue characteristics. The relatively consistent market prices and availability across multiple sales venues confirm this is a regularly encountered note in collector markets.

Issued under Law 33 of 1938, this banknote represents Colombia's mid-20th century monetary system based on the gold standard (Pesos Oro). José María Córdoba, depicted in military uniform with decorative braiding, was a significant Colombian military and political figure whose portrait honored his historical importance. The prominent display of the national coat of arms with the eagle and shield reflects the nationalist imagery typical of Colombian currency during this period of state consolidation.

The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait of José María Córdoba facing left, rendered in fine detail wearing a military dress uniform with elaborate decorative braiding—a common iconographic choice for Colombian currency of this era honoring military and political leaders. The design employs a rose/pink color scheme with dark gray and black ornamental borders containing fine engraved patterns and geometric flourishes. Ornamental squares in all four corners display the denomination '5' within decorative frames. The reverse presents the Colombian national coat of arms centered within an ornamental circular vignette, featuring a spread-winged eagle above a shield with heraldic elements, printed in monochromatic bright pink/magenta. Both sides incorporate complex geometric background patterns and fine line engraving characteristic of security printing. Series designation 'A' appears on the obverse, with the serial number 1686100 printed as part of the standard issue documentation.

FRONT: 'La República de Colombia' (The Republic of Colombia); 'Bogotá, 22 de Marzo de 1938' (Bogotá, March 22, 1938); 'Pagará al Portador la Suma de Cinco Pesos Oro' (Will pay to the bearer the sum of Five Pesos Gold); 'De Acuerdo con las Leyes, Ley 33 de 1938' (In accordance with the laws, Law 33 of 1938); 'Serie A' (Series A); 'No 1686100' (Serial Number 1686100); 'Córdoba' (identifying the portrait subject); 'El Ministro de Hacienda y Crédito Público' (The Minister of Treasury and Public Credit); 'El Contralor General' (The Comptroller General); 'El Tesorero General' (The General Treasurer); 'American Bank Note Company.' BACK: 'República de Colombia' (Republic of Colombia); 'Cinco Pesos' (Five Pesos); 'American Bank Note Company.'

Intaglio engraving (line engraving/copperplate printing) executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York, as indicated by the printer's mark visible on both sides. The fine line engraving patterns, moiré security patterns in the geometric backgrounds, and the detailed ornamental borders are characteristic of ABNC's high-security currency production methods. The sharp detail preservation and color saturation visible in this AU specimen reflects the quality inherent to this intaglio process, where raised metal plates transfer ink under pressure to produce deep, crisp impressions.

This note is identified as Series A, a standard variety for the 1938 issue. The serial number 1686100 represents a mid-range serial, with no documented prefix or overprint variations for this Pick catalog number. The ABNC imprint is consistent across known examples of Pick 341. No major known varieties have been documented for this denomination and date, making Series A the primary and essentially singular variety designation for this issue.