1 peso 1898
Market Prices
About This Note
This 1 peso note from the Banco Nacional de Santo Domingo exemplifies late 19th-century Dominican currency with exceptional detail in its engraved design. The obverse features a classical allegorical female figure (Liberty) adorned with a laurel wreath on the left, complemented by an ornate coat of arms on the right, all rendered in black ink on a cream base with green underprint. The note exhibits characteristics consistent with UNC condition, displaying sharp engraving detail, vibrant green reverse, and a visible red governmental seal, making it a notable example of this series.
Common. The eBay market data provided shows multiple sales across a range of conditions with UNC examples trading at $175-$275 USD, indicating a reasonably liquid market with adequate supply. The print run for this series appears to have been substantial, and surviving specimens are available to collectors. The series marking (C) suggests multiple series were produced. No indicators suggest limited availability, government recall, or short-lived issuing circumstances that would elevate rarity.
Issued in 1898 by the Banco Nacional de Santo Domingo during a period of economic stabilization in the Dominican Republic, this note reflects the country's commitment to modernizing its currency system through contracts with the national government. The classical Liberty portrait and governmental seals emphasize national sovereignty and financial legitimacy, while the 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (bearer clause) demonstrates the note's function as legal tender backed by government decree. The Franklin Bank Note Company printing represents the adoption of international security printing standards during this era of Caribbean financial development.
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, a classical allegorical female figure with long flowing hair crowned with a laurel wreath, symbolizing freedom and national virtue. This portrait is positioned on the left side within an elaborate oval frame. The right side displays an ornamental coat of arms or shield design representing governmental authority. The entire note is enclosed in a sophisticated decorative border composed of intricate geometric and floral patterns typical of Tiffany-style engraving. A red circular governmental seal appears in the upper center area, serving as an official validation mark. The reverse presents a symmetrical, purely decorative design featuring four large oval medallions positioned at corners and center, with cornucopia (horn of plenty) designs in the corners and elaborate scrollwork and floral motifs throughout, rendered entirely in green ink on cream background. The denomination appears prominently on both sides.
FRONT: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE SANTO DOMINGO' (National Bank of Santo Domingo); 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to bearer); 'UN PESO / MONEDA CORRIENTE' (One peso, current currency); 'EN VIRTUD DE CONTRATO CELEBRADO AL EFECTO ENTRE EL GOBIERNO Y EL BANCO NACIONAL DE SANTO DOMINGO' (By virtue of a contract celebrated between the Government and the National Bank of Santo Domingo); 'ESTE BILLETE TIENE CURSO LEGAL EN TODA LA REPÚBLICA, Y SERÁ RECIBIDO EN PAGO DE TODOS LOS DERECHOS FISCALES Y MUNICIPALES, DE CONFORMIDAD CON EL DECRETO DEL GOBIERNO NACIONAL RELATIVO A SU EMISIÓN' (This note has legal currency throughout the Republic and will be received in payment of all fiscal and municipal rights in accordance with the National Government decree relative to its issuance); 'SERIE C' (Series C); 'No. 303888'; 'Por el Gobierno' (For the Government); 'El Administrador del Legado' (The Administrator of the Legacy); 'REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA' (Dominican Republic); 'FRANKLIN BANK NOTE CO.' (Franklin Bank Note Company). BACK: 'BANCO NACIONAL' (National Bank); 'UN PESO' (One peso); 'DE SANTO DOMINGO' (of Santo Domingo); 'UNO' (One).
Steel engraving (intaglio printing) executed by the Franklin Bank Note Company, a premier American security printer of the period. The visual evidence includes fine cross-hatching, intricate line work, and the characteristic three-dimensional quality of intaglio printing visible in both the portrait engraving and decorative elements. The two-color printing (black on front with green underprint, green reverse on cream paper) was produced using separate engraved plates for each color, a standard security printing practice of the era. The precision of the engraved borders, the subtle modeling in the Liberty portrait, and the complex geometric patterns all confirm high-quality intaglio production.
This specimen is identified as Pick P-S131a (Series C variety). The serial number 303888 and 'SERIE C' marking visible on the obverse indicate this is from the Series C issue. The note is not dated (as per catalog data), which is typical for this issuer's bearer notes. The handwritten signature visible on the reverse (noted in the catalog reference) and the red circular stamp are characteristics of this variety. The printed signature at right on the obverse and the specific typography and engraving details confirm this as the P-S131a cataloging designation rather than variant issues.
