1 sol 1879

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows consistent sales in the $25–$110 range for Fine condition examples, with most Fine-grade sales between $25–$65 over the past decade. The 2016 catalog value of $10 for Fine condition reflects the note's common circulation status. While historically significant as Peru's first decimal sol issue, the note was produced in substantial quantities and remains readily available to collectors, particularly in circulated grades.

The June 30, 1879 date marks Peru's adoption of the decimal sol currency system following the War of the Pacific. The allegorical woman with crown and flowers represents the Peruvian Republic's prosperity and sovereignty, while the steamship on the reverse symbolizes Peru's maritime commerce and modernization during the post-war reconstruction period. The issuing authority's formal inscription references the fiscal emission board established to manage this new currency reform under the laws of February 27, 1879.

The obverse features an allegorical representation of the Peruvian Republic as a classical female figure with long flowing hair and a crown or laurel headpiece, centrally positioned and holding flowers or vegetation symbolizing abundance and prosperity. She is flanked by cherub/putti figures on left and right sides, each positioned within circular medallions marked 'UNO' (One). The design employs a yellow-gold underprint with intricate black engraved borders featuring elaborate ornamental patterns. The reverse displays a detailed engraving of a steamship or merchant vessel under full sail, centered on the note and surrounded by four corner medallions with radiating sun-like designs, all rendered in a monochromatic light brown/tan palette. Both sides are framed with complex ornamental border designs characteristic of high-security banknote production.

FRONT: 'LA REPÚBLICA DEL PERÚ' (The Republic of Peru) / 'UN SOL' (One Sol) / 'PORTADOR' (Bearer) / 'Conforme á lo leyes de 27 de Febrero dispuesto en las Eneros y 4 de de 1879' (In accordance with the laws of February 27, disposed in January and 4 of 1879) / 'LIMA JUNIO 30 DE 1879' (Lima June 30 of 1879) / 'POR LA JUNTA ADMINISTRADORA Y DE VIGILANCIA DE LA EMISIÓN FISCAL' (By the Administrative and Supervisory Board of Fiscal Emission) / 'Valentín del R. de la fuente' (handwritten signature) / Serial number: E157575 (printed twice in red). BACK: 'REPÚBLICA' (Republic) / 'DEL PERÚ' (Of Peru) / 'American Bank Note Co New York' (printer attribution).

Steel engraving (intaglio printing) executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York, as credited on the reverse. The fine line engraving, multiple decorative elements, intricate border patterns, and sharp detail reproduction of the allegorical and maritime imagery are characteristic of the highest-quality banknote production standards of the 1879 period. The red-printed serial numbers were applied as a secondary printing operation.

Serial number E157575 is observed on this example. Known varieties for Pick P-1 include signature varieties (administrative signatures on the front) and serial number prefixes. The handwritten signature of 'Valentín del R. de la fuente' visible on this note represents one documented signature variant from the issuing board. The note exhibits the standard design for the regular 1879 issue with no visible overprints or modifications, consistent with the primary circulation variety of this denomination.