2 pesos 1898
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a Fine condition 2 Pesos banknote from the Banco Nacional de Santo Domingo, issued in 1898 (catalog year, though the note itself is undated per the reference data). The note features classical 19th-century engraved design with the Dominican coat of arms at upper left and a profile portrait of Christopher Columbus at lower right, set against intricate geometric and floral patterns. The presence of a red official stamp overlay and visible aging with foxing and patina are consistent with the noted F grade and reflect authentic late-19th-century circulation.
Common. The eBay market data provided shows multiple examples in various grades selling at modest price points ($9.80 to $495.00), with the F grade specifically priced at $325.00. The consistent availability of examples across multiple condition grades and the relatively low price ceiling for even high grades (VF at $495.00) indicate this is a regularly encountered note in the collector market. The Banco Nacional de Santo Domingo issued banknotes for an extended period, and this denomination appears to have had a reasonable print run.
This banknote was issued by the Banco Nacional de Santo Domingo under a government contract that granted the bank authority to issue legal tender throughout the Dominican Republic. The inclusion of Columbus's portrait reflects the Dominican nation's historical connection to the explorer's voyages and the colonial legacy of Hispaniola. The formal legal tender declaration engraved on the front ('PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' / 'Will Pay to Bearer') underscores the banking reforms and financial institution-building that characterized Dominican monetary policy in the late 19th century.
The obverse features a left-aligned coat of arms of the Dominican Republic (a shield with a cross and shield motif) and a right-positioned profile portrait of Christopher Columbus, the historical explorer and namesake associated with Dominican colonial history. The design employs elaborate classical borders with repeating geometric and floral patterns characteristic of late-19th-century security printing. The reverse displays a symmetrical layout dominated by a central cartouche containing 'DOS PESOS,' with identical corner ornaments in all four corners featuring the numeral '2' and ornate scrollwork. Both sides employ fine engraved line work to create visual depth and anti-counterfeiting security through intricate detail work.
FRONT SIDE: 'REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA' (Dominican Republic) | 'BANCO NACIONAL DE SANTO DOMINGO' (National Bank of Santo Domingo) | 'SERIE D' (Series D) | 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will Pay to Bearer) | 'DOS PESOS' (Two Pesos) | 'MONEDA CORRIENTE' (Current Currency) | 'EN VIRTUD E CONTRATO CELEBRADO AL EFECTO ENTRE EL GOBIERNO Y EL BANCO NACIONAL DE SANTO DOMINGO, ESTE BILLETE TIENE CURSO LEGAL EN TODA LA REPÚBLICA, Y SERÁ ADMITIDO EN PAGO DE TODOS LOS DERECHOS FISCALES Y MUNICIPALES, DE CONFORMIDAD CON EL DECRETO DEL GOBIERNO NACIONAL RELATIVO A SU EMISIÓN.' (By virtue of a contract entered into for this purpose between the Government and the National Bank of Santo Domingo, this banknote has legal currency throughout the Republic, and shall be accepted in payment of all fiscal and municipal rights, in accordance with the Government's National Decree relating to its issuance.) | 'POR EL GOBIERNO' (By the Government) | 'EL ADMINISTRADOR DEL LEGADO' (The Administrator of the Legacy) | 'DOS' (Two) | BACK SIDE: 'DOS PESOS' (Two Pesos)
This note was produced by intaglio (engraved) printing, as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, and the depth of detail visible throughout both sides. The printer is listed as FBNC (Franklin-BanknoteCompany), a prominent American security printer of the period. The brown and tan color scheme reflects period-appropriate inks applied over an engraved copper plate, with the notation of 'black on brown undeprint' in the catalog data indicating the primary design was printed in black over a brown background layer.
This example is identified as Pick catalog number P-S132a (Series D variant 'a'). The visual analysis confirms the presence of a handwritten signature at left on the reverse and official stamping, which are characteristic features of this Pick number. The red official stamp overlay visible on the obverse may represent either a post-issuance cancellation mark or an official banking stamp applied during circulation. The 'SÉRIE D' designation indicates this belongs to the fourth series of this denomination's issuance by the Banco Nacional de Santo Domingo.
