1 peso 1900

Common. While this is a 19th-century Latin American banknote with age and historical significance, Banco de Occidente notes from this period were issued in substantial quantities for regional circulation. The eBay reference price point of $73.99 for a higher-grade VF specimen indicates a modest collector market value typical of common issues. The Fair condition grade specified is typical for surviving examples. No evidence suggests a limited print run, short-lived issuer status, or recall that would elevate this to scarce or rare classification.

The Banco de Occidente issued this note during Guatemala's late 19th-century modernization period, when the country was establishing its banking infrastructure following independence. The agricultural imagery depicting corn/maize workers on the obverse reflects Guatemala's economic foundation in agricultural production and commerce. The classical allegorical Liberty figure on the reverse was a common motif for Latin American banks seeking to project modernity, stability, and enlightened governance during this era of regional economic development.

The obverse features an ornate border with fine decorative elements framing the composition. At left is a circular portrait medallion of a classical female figure wearing a wreath or floral garland, representing prosperity or abundance. The center-right contains an engraved agricultural scene depicting workers in a corn/maize field, symbolizing Guatemala's agrarian economy and the productive labor that formed the nation's commercial foundation. The reverse displays an allegorical female figure representing Libertad (Liberty) in a classical style within a central circular medallion, surrounded by elaborate Baroque-inspired scrollwork and floral decorative patterns. The denomination appears in ornamental cartouches on both sides. The entire design employs fine line engraving with intricate parallel lines and cross-hatching to create depth and security against counterfeiting.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO DE OCCIDENTE' (Bank of the West) / 'QUEZALTENANGO' (city of issuance) / 'UN PESO' (One Peso denomination) / '15 de Agosto de 1900' (15th of August, 1900) / 'Pagara a la vista al portador' (Payable on demand to bearer) / 'La moneda efectiva' (Effective/valid currency) / Serial numbers: 'Nº 2502024' and 'Nº 2392924' / Signatures and titles: 'I. Sáenz' (signature), 'Santiago Meirida' (signature), 'P. Morales' (signature) with designations 'DIRECTOR', 'DIRECTOR', 'GERENTE' (Manager) / 'Waterlow & Sons, 1-3 London Wall, London' (printer). BACK SIDE: 'BANCO DE OCCIDENTE' (Bank of the West) / 'QUEZALTENANGO' (city) / 'LIBERTAD' (Liberty) / 'UN PESO' and 'UN PESO' (denomination repeated in cartouches) / 'Waterlow & Sons Limited, London Wall, London, E.C.' (printer information).

Intaglio engraving (fine line engraving), executed by Waterlow & Sons, London, one of the world's premier security printers of the era. The note displays characteristic intaglio features including crisp, finely-detailed line work, ornate borders with complex scrollwork, and layered imagery achieved through multiple engraved plates. The catalog reference to 'Green and lilac underprint' suggests additional color separation plates were used for security purposes, though the primary image shows brown and black tones.

This specimen is Pick number P-S175a, the 'a' variety designation likely indicating a specific signature combination or minor design state. The note bears signatures of I. Sáenz, Santiago Meirida (both marked as DIRECTOR), and P. Morales (GERENTE). The serial numbers visible are 2502024 and 2392924, suggesting this is from a standard printing run. Different signature combinations and serial number ranges may constitute cataloged varieties for this Pick number, which would be noted in comprehensive catalogs such as Pick's Standard Catalog of World Paper Money or specialized Latin American banknote references.