5 pesos 1900

Common. The eBay market data shows multiple sales across a wide price range ($18.17 to $1,295.00 USD), with several VF-graded examples available at modest prices (the VF example listed at $190.00 USD). The wide range of prices likely reflects condition variations and seller pricing strategies rather than inherent scarcity. El Banco del Estado maintained regular circulation of this denomination, and no historical evidence suggests this was a limited or recalled issue. The denomination and issue remain accessible to collectors at reasonable prices.

This banknote was issued during a formative period of Colombian monetary history, just after the 1886 Constitution established the modern Colombian state. El Banco del Estado served as a key financial institution during this era of national consolidation. The allegorical Liberty figure and national coat of arms symbolize the republican ideals and sovereignty of the newly reorganized Colombian nation during the early years of the 20th century.

The obverse displays an allegorical female figure in classical Greco-Roman robes positioned at the left side, holding a staff or spear with radiating lines forming a halo effect behind her head, representing the concept of Liberty or Justice. The figure is rendered in black ink against an orange underprint. Large decorative circular denominations featuring '5' and the peso symbol are positioned at all four corners. The reverse features the Colombian national coat of arms, prominently displaying an eagle and heraldic shield elements in the upper left portion. Both sides incorporate an ornate repeating border pattern with 'República de Colombia' and 'El Banco del Estado' text running continuously around the margins. The color scheme throughout is predominantly orange and cream/beige with black typography and imagery.

FRONT: 'República de Colombia' (Republic of Colombia); 'El Banco del Estado' (The State Bank); 'Cinco Pesos' (Five Pesos); 'Serie B' (Series B); 'pagará al portador á la vista' (will pay the bearer on sight); 'Gonzalo Villegas' (Signature - Secretary of Finance); 'Secretario de Hacienda' (Secretary of Finance); 'José M. Payán' (Signature - Manager); 'El Gerente' (The Manager); 'El Director nombrado por la Asamblea' (The Director appointed by the Assembly). BACK: 'República de Colombia' (Republic of Colombia); 'El Banco del Estado' (The State Bank); 'Popayán Octubre 19 de 1900' (Popayán October 19, 1900); 'Ismael Copacel' (Signature - Cashier); 'El Cajero' (The Cashier).

This note was produced using lithographic printing techniques, evidenced by the characteristic color layering (black on orange underprint) and the quality of the allegorical figure rendering. The repeating border text and decorative elements show the hallmarks of fine lithographic work typical of early 1900s banknote production. The printer for El Banco del Estado issues of this period is not specified in available catalog data, but the execution suggests a reputable security printer of the era familiar with Colombian banknote standards.

The visual analysis indicates this is Series B (noted as 'SERIE B' on the obverse), though the catalog reference P-S505 suggests series E in the reference data—this discrepancy warrants verification. The note is specifically dated October 19, 1900 from Popayán and bears the signatures of Gonzalo Villegas (Secretary of Finance), José M. Payán (Manager), and Ismael Copacel (Cashier). Different signature combinations and series designations may exist for this denomination and year, creating minor varieties among Colombian collectors, though the Pick catalog typically does not subdivide notes by signature varieties unless they represent substantively different issues.