1 sol 1921

Scarce. This note represents a regional provisional issue with likely limited original circulation restricted to Iquitos and surrounding areas in the Peruvian Amazon. The specific series designation (Serie A), low serial number (N° 53), and the unlistedness in Pick catalog suggest a small total emission with poor survival rates. Regional emergency notes from Peru's interior typically see lower collector demand and preservation than Lima-issued notes, making intact examples in VF condition notable for specializing collectors.

This 'Cheque Provisional de Circulación Forzosa' (Provisional Check of Forced Circulation) was issued by the Political and Military Chief of Iquitos during a period when Peru faced monetary instability in remote regions. The guarantee inscription referencing state debt, fiscal revenues, and departmental resources reflects the regional authority's attempt to establish monetary confidence in the Amazon frontier. The October 1921 date places this during Peru's post-WWI economic adjustment period, when regional provisional notes supplemented scarce national currency in outlying areas.

The obverse features a classical left-facing male portrait in a circular vignette at center, surrounded by baroque-style ornamental corner elements with numerals '1' in all four corners. The reverse displays an allegorical scene with multiple classical figures within a central circular frame, likely representing concepts of commerce, justice, or prosperity relevant to the provisional monetary authority. Both sides feature elaborate scrollwork, decorative flourishes, and heraldic double-headed eagle emblems flanking the central designs. The consistent reddish-brown printing on light tan paper suggests a single-color lithographic production typical of emergency currency from this period.

{"front":{"CHEQUE PROVISIONAL":"Provisional Check","DE CIRCULACION FORZOSA":"Of Forced Circulation","EMITIDO CON LA GARANTIA DE LA DEUDA DEL ESTADO, RENTAS FISCALES Y DEPARTAMENTOS":"Issued with the guarantee of the state debt, fiscal revenues and departments","UN SOL":"One Sol","IQUITOS 1º DE OCTUBRE 1921":"Iquitos, October 1, 1921","N° 53":"Number 53","SERIE A":"Series A","CAP. JEFE POLITICO Y MILITAR":"Captain Political and Military Chief","ALCOR DE LA AGUANA":"[Regional designation - possibly 'Alcalde' or regional administrator]"},"back":{"CHEQUE PROVISIONAL":"Provisional Check","PERU":"Peru","UN SOL":"One Sol"}}

Lithography, single color (reddish-brown). The soft edges, gradual tonal transitions, and characteristic appearance of the baroque ornamentation are consistent with hand-drawn lithographic stone reproduction typical of early 20th-century South American regional note printing. No security features are evident, as was common with emergency provisional issues intended for local, restricted circulation.

Series A variety with serial number N° 53. The handwritten nature of signatures and the specific date (October 1, 1921) indicate this is part of the initial issuance. No known major varieties are documented for this provisional issue, though variation in handwritten signatures, serial number sequences, and potential printing runs would constitute minor collecting varieties. The 'ALCOR DE LA AGUANA' signature represents the authority authorizing this specific lot.