5 pesos 1960

Common. The eBay market price data provided shows recent sales of this note in better conditions (PMG 64-67) ranging from $53-74, and Fair condition examples have sold for as low as $8.50 with minimal bidding. The catalog values (2016) list this denomination at only $1 in VG condition and $3 in VF, indicating it was produced in significant quantity. The series M designation and consistent availability in the secondary market confirm this is a regularly encountered note among Colombian collectors.

Issued on July 20, 1960 (Colombia's Independence Day), this note commemorates the modernization of Colombia's financial institutions during the mid-20th century. The prominent depiction of the new Bank of the Republic building on the reverse reflects the nation's economic development and institutional confidence during this period. José María Córdoba, shown in military dress, represents Colombia's independence-era leadership, connecting the nation's founding principles to its contemporary monetary authority.

The obverse features a portrait of General José María Córdoba (1800-1829), a prominent Colombian independence leader, rendered in profile within an ornate oval frame positioned on the left side. To the right stands an allegorical female figure in classical robes, representing Colombia or the virtues of the nation. The design employs elaborate baroque-style ornamental borders with intricate floral and scrollwork elements in all corners, featuring large decorative numeral '5' shields. The reverse displays a tall, modernist view of the newly constructed Banco de la República building in Bogotá, with its distinctive grid of windows and horizontal striping, flanked by two large ornamental shields also bearing the denomination. The predominant color is green with cream and beige tones on a multicolor underprint, reflecting the refined aesthetic standards of 1960s Colombian currency design.

FRONT SIDE: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic); 'SERIE M' (Series M); 'Pagará al portador' (Will pay to bearer); 'CINCO PESOS ORO' (Five Pesos Gold); 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA' (Bogotá, Colombia); '20 DE JULIO DE 1960' (July 20, 1960); 'CORDOBA' (identification of portrait subject); 'GERENTE' (Manager); 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & CO. LTD. LONDRES, INGLATERRA' (Thomas de la Rue & Co. Ltd. London, England). BACK SIDE: 'BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (Bank of the Republic); 'CINCO PESOS ORO' (Five Pesos Gold - appears twice on the shields); 'EDIFICIO DEL BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA EN BOGOTÁ' (Building of the Bank of the Republic in Bogotá); 'BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA' (Bogotá, Colombia). Serial number visible: '63096095'.

This note was produced using intaglio (steel engraving) printing by Thomas de la Rue & Co. Ltd., London, one of the world's premier currency printers. The technique is evidenced by the intricate fine-line engraving visible throughout the design, particularly in the detailed facial features of Córdoba, the complex geometric patterns in the decorative shields, and the elaborate filigree work. Multiple passes and specialized security engraving techniques were employed to create the cross-hatching, scrollwork, and architectural details visible on both sides, providing anti-counterfeiting measures typical of high-security currency production of this era.

This note is Series M, as indicated by the printed 'SERIE M' designation. The visual analysis confirms this is the later 1960 issue featuring the modern Bank of the Republic building (as referenced in the catalog remark comparing it to the earlier P-399 which features the old bank building). The serial number observed is '63096095'. No overprints or other notable varieties are evident from the visual analysis of this specimen.