1 peso 1961

Common. This note has consistently appeared on the secondary market with moderate frequency, evidenced by the eBay price history showing regular sales ranging from $4.25 to $25 depending on condition, with VF examples selling around $9. The 2016 catalog value for VF grade is $6, and the print run during the 1956-1961 period was substantial. No evidence of short print runs, recalls, or scarcity factors exists for this Pick number.

This banknote was issued during the final years of the Trujillo era (the note references 'Ciudad Trujillo,' the renamed capital), commemorating Juan Pablo Duarte y Díez, the Dominican patriot and founder of the secret society La Trinitaria that led the independence movement. The reverse inscription 'DIOS PATRIA LIBERTAD' (God, Fatherland, Liberty) reflects the nationalist ideology of the period, while the coat of arms with cross symbolism emphasized Dominican sovereignty during a transitional political moment.

The obverse features Juan Pablo Duarte y Díez, the 19th-century Dominican patriot and founding member of La Trinitaria, depicted in formal attire with bow tie within an oval frame at the center. Ornate scrollwork and floral designs frame the sides, with lyre symbols in the bottom corners representing cultural refinement. The prominent orange circular seal on the right contains administrative text. The reverse displays the denomination 'UNO' centrally with 'ONE' below it, flanked by two circular medallions: on the left, a female profile (representing Liberty or national virtue), and on the right, the Dominican Republic coat of arms featuring a shield with cross and shield-within-shield design, inscribed with the national motto 'DIOS PATRIA LIBERTAD.' Ornate decorative borders and flourishes occupy all four corners.

FRONT: 'BANCO CENTRAL de la REPUBLICA DOMINICANA' (Central Bank of the Dominican Republic), 'UNO' and 'UN PESO ORO' (One Gold Peso), 'ESTE BILLETE TIENE FUERZA LIBERATORIA PARA EL PAGO DE TODAS LAS OBLIGACIONES PUBLICAS O PRIVADAS' (This banknote has legal force for payment of all public or private obligations), 'DUARTE' (name of portrait subject), 'CIUDAD TRUJILLO DISTRITO NACIONAL REPUBLICA DOMINICANA' (Ciudad Trujillo, National District, Dominican Republic), 'Gobernador del Banco Central' (Governor of the Central Bank), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer). BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE LA REPUBLICA DOMINICANA' (Central Bank of the Dominican Republic), 'UNO' / 'ONE' (One in Spanish and English), 'UN PESO ORO' (One Gold Peso), 'DIOS PATRIA LIBERTAD' (God, Fatherland, Liberty), 'REPUBLICA DOMINICANA' (Dominican Republic), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer).

Intaglio engraving (copperplate printing) executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York, evidenced by the fine line engraving patterns, detailed portrait work, complex ornamental borders, and intricate scrollwork visible throughout both sides. The precision of the coat of arms design and microprint details confirm professional security printing standards typical of ABNC production.

Serial number RA061604 visible on the obverse. The catalog notes signature varieties exist for this issue. The note exhibits the standard green/black color scheme and orange seal characteristic of this Pick-71 series. Specific variety identification would require comparison of signature blocks and serial number prefixes against known varieties documented for the 1956-1961 issue period, though the visual analysis does not provide sufficient detail to definitively classify this note into a sub-variety.