10 soles 1975

Common. This note is a regular issue with substantial print runs from a major issuing authority (Banco Central de Reserva del Peru). The eBay price history provided shows consistent sales in the $0.96–$11.93 range, with most uncirculated examples selling for $1.25–$1.50, indicating robust availability and minimal collector demand. The catalog value for UNC condition (2019) is listed at $1.50. Such modest market values across multiple transactions over a decade reflect high availability and common circulation/collection status. There is no evidence of rarity, short print runs, or special collector interest.

This note was issued on October 2, 1975, during Peru's military government period under General Juan Velasco Alvarado, shortly before the transition to civilian rule. The imagery celebrates Peru's historical legacy: Garcilaso Inca de la Vega was a 16th-century writer and historian of mixed Spanish-Inca heritage, and his Cuzco residence represents colonial Peru, while Lake Titicaca symbolizes the Andean indigenous traditions central to Peruvian national identity. The denomination in 'Soles de Oro' (Gold Soles) reflects the monetary system of that era before Peru's currency reforms.

The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait of Garcilaso Inca de la Vega positioned on the right side, rendered in fine detail with period armor and period-appropriate clothing, establishing him as a historical figure of significance. To the left is an architectural rendering of Garcilaso's house in Cuzco, displaying colonial Spanish architectural elements with arched windows and detailed stonework. The central focal point is an ornate Peruvian coat of arms featuring heraldic elements and shield design. The reverse depicts Lake Titicaca with characteristic totora reed boats (traditional Andean sailing vessels) with triangular sails, mountains rising in the background, and reeds in the foreground—all rendered in meticulous landscape engraving. The denomination appears prominently in all four corners on both sides. The color scheme of red-orange on multicolor underprint with cream/beige and yellow-green accents creates visual hierarchy and enhances the note's aesthetic appeal.

FRONT: 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU' (The Central Reserve Bank of Peru); 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to bearer); 'DIEZ SOLES DE ORO' (Ten soles of gold); 'DE ACUERDO CON SU LEY ORGANICA' (In accordance with its organic law); 'GARCILASO INCA DE LA VEGA' (the subject's name); 'LIMA 2 DE OCTUBRE DE 1975' (Lima, October 2, 1975); 'PRESIDENTE' (President); 'DIRECTOR' (Director); 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer identification). BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru); 'DIEZ SOLES DE ORO' (Ten soles of gold); 'LAGO TITICACA' (Lake Titicaca); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer identification).

This note employs intaglio engraving, the traditional security printing method used by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, a preeminent British security printer. The visual evidence includes intricate fine-line work, precise detail in the portrait and landscape scenes, decorative border patterns with fine line densities, and the characteristic depth and texture visible in high-quality intaglio work. The multi-color printing—red-orange base with green and other accent colors—suggests multi-pass printing with careful registration. Security features incorporated include the intricate engraving of the coat of arms, fine-line background patterns that are difficult to counterfeit, and dual-location serial numbering.

This example is identified as Series I based on catalog data. The note features three signature lines (PRESIDENTE, DIRECTOR, GERENTE GENERAL) which are characteristic of this issue. The serial number observed (I439894561) begins with the prefix 'I', indicating standard issue notes; replacement notes for this series typically carry the prefix 'Z999' according to catalog references. The issue date is confirmed as October 2, 1975 (LIMA 2 DE OCTUBRE DE 1975). No overprints or unusual varieties are apparent in the visual analysis. This represents the standard variety of P-106 with no known significant variants that would affect collectibility.