1 sol 1921

Uncommon to Scarce. This note is unlisted in the Pick catalog, which typically indicates either a regional or specialized provisional issue with limited documentation. Iquitos provisional cheques from 1921 represent emergency currency of a specific region during a narrow historical window, reducing their survival rate compared to centrally-issued Lima banknotes. Series B with sequential serial numbers such as 914 suggest a limited print run. The VF condition grade is favorable but not exceptional, placing this in the mid-range of collectibility for such provisionals.

This provisional cheque was issued in 1921 from Iquitos in northeastern Peru (the capital of the Loreto region) as emergency currency backed by state fiscal and departmental revenues. The inscription indicating 'forced circulation' reflects the economic conditions of post-WWI Peru, when the central government struggled with currency supply and regional authorities resorted to issuing temporary substitutes. The classical allegorical imagery and heraldic shields on the reverse suggest an attempt to confer legitimacy and government authority upon what was essentially a temporary credit instrument.

The obverse features a classical female profile portrait in left-facing orientation, rendered in a circular medallion, representing Liberty or an allegorical figure typical of early 20th-century currency design. The reverse displays an elaborate allegorical scene within a circular medallion, depicting multiple human figures including adult and child forms in a narrative composition suggesting prosperity, protection, or state blessing. Both sides are framed by ornate scrollwork borders with denomination numerals ('1') positioned in all four corners within decorative circular cartouches. Heraldic shields flanking the reverse's central design add governmental authority. The overall composition reflects late 19th/early 20th-century engraved currency standards, with fine line work throughout creating visual complexity and anti-counterfeiting security.

Front Side: 'CHEQUE PROVISIONAL' (Provisional Check) / 'DE CIRCULACION FORZOSA' (Of Forced Circulation) / 'EMITIDO CON LA GARANTIA DE LA DEUDA DEL ESTADO, RENTAS FISCALES Y DEPARTAMENTALES' (Issued with the Guarantee of the Debt of the State, Fiscal and Departmental Income) / 'IQUITOS 1º DE' (Iquitos 1st of) / 'UN SOL' (One Sol) / 'OL TURRE 1921' (likely a date/authority reference, 1921) / 'SERIE B' (Series B) / 'N° 914' (Number 914) / 'CAP. JEFE POLITICO Y MILITAR' (Chief Political and Military Captain) / 'AMOR DE LA ADUANA' (Customs Authority/Official). Reverse Side: 'CHEQUE PROVISIONAL' (Provisional Check) / 'PERU' (Peru) / 'UN SOL' (One Sol) / 'EN SOL' (In Sol) / 'UNSOL' (One Sol).

Intaglio engraving (steel or copper plate engraving), evidenced by the fine line work, intricate borders, and precise detail visible in both the portrait medallions and allegorical scenes. The uniform impression and clarity of engraved elements despite age confirms professional currency plate engraving. The printer for this specific Iquitos provincial issue is not definitively identified in standard catalogs, but the quality suggests work by a regional or national Peruvian printing facility or possibly a South American security printer of the period.

This example is specifically identified as Series B, Serial Number 914. The designation 'OL TURRE 1921' appears to be a date or authority marking unique to this issuance. Series B designation indicates this note is part of a secondary print series; Series A varieties may exist with potentially different printing dates or authorities. The notation 'CAP. JEFE POLITICO Y MILITAR' (military/political captain authority) and reference to customs authority ('AMOR DE LA ADUANA') suggest administrative oversight variants may exist depending on which official authorized different series.