5 pesos 1961

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows numerous sales in the $0.74 to $2.99 range for VF and EF examples, with UNC examples selling for $15.10 to $32.00 as of 2018. The 1961-1981 date range indicates a lengthy circulation period with presumably substantial print runs. Current catalog values (2019) list UNC at $30, which is modest and consistent with a common issue. The abundance of market data and regular sales activity confirm this is a readily available note in the Colombian numismatic market.

Issued on January 2, 1961, this banknote represents Colombia's mid-20th century currency during a period of political stability and economic development. The note honors José María Córdoba, a significant Colombian military and political figure, while the reverse depicts the historic fortress of Cartagena, symbolizing Colombia's colonial heritage and strategic coastal importance. The 'Pesos Oro' (Gold Pesos) designation reflects the currency standard in effect during this period of Colombian monetary history.

The obverse features a profile portrait of José María Córdoba, depicted in formal military dress uniform with high collar, decorative epaulettes, and military insignia, positioned on the right side. A heraldic condor with spread wings appears prominently on the left, symbolizing Colombian national identity. The reverse showcases a detailed engraved illustration of the Cartagena fortress—the historic coastal fortification with multiple towers and defensive walls—centered in a landscape composition. A circular portrait medallion of a woman appears at the top center of the reverse. The entire design is framed with ornamental scrollwork and geometric patterns. Color scheme includes green, brown, orange, red, pink, and cream tones with intricate guilloche background patterns throughout.

FRONT: 'EL BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA' (The Bank of the Republic); 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR' (Will Pay to Bearer); 'CINCO PESOS ORO' (Five Gold Pesos); 'ENERO 2 DE 1961' (January 2, 1961); 'GERENTE' (Manager); 'SECRETARIO' (Secretary); 'BOGOTA, COLOMBIA' (Bogota, Colombia); Serial number: 36593803. BACK: 'BANCO DE LA REPUBLICA' (Bank of the Republic); 'BOGOTA COLOMBIA' (Bogota Colombia); 'CINCO PESOS ORO' / '5 PESOS ORO' (Five Gold Pesos / 5 Gold Pesos); 'CARTAGENA' (Cartagena).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on banknote paper, evidenced by the fine line detail, deep color registration, and the visible guilloche security patterns. The printer for Colombian notes of this period was typically the Banco de la República's own security printing division, with some issues involving contract printers. The sophisticated security features—including intricate geometric and floral background patterns, overlapping semi-transparent text design, and fine line engraving detail—are consistent with high-security intaglio methods standard for central bank currency production in the 1960s.

This note is Pick catalog 406a, issued January 2, 1961. The serial number observed (36593803) provides a specific production reference. The Pick catalog identifies this as a regular issue within the 1961-1981 5 Pesos Oro series. Known varieties within this issue may include different signature combinations for the Manager (Gerente) and Secretary (Secretario) positions, which were subject to change during the lengthy circulation period. Without additional comparative examples, specific signature varieties cannot be definitively established from this single note, but collectors should note that signature variety is typical for Colombian notes with extended issue dates.