2 soles 1879

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows consistent sales in the $35-$60 range for F-graded examples, with multiple transactions across various years (2010-2022), indicating steady collector demand but no supply scarcity. The catalog value for F condition is listed at $10, and notes regularly appear on the secondary market. The large print run by a major international security printer and sustained availability suggest this is a commonly encountered note within the Peru 1879 series.

This 1879 2 Soles note was issued under Peru's newly reformed currency system, following the laws of January 27 and February 4, 1879, during a period of post-War of the Pacific recovery and modernization. The prominent imagery of steam locomotives reflects Peru's contemporaneous efforts to develop its railroad infrastructure and embrace industrial progress, while the classical female allegorical figure symbolizes the nation's aspirations toward commerce and prosperity. The American Bank Note Company's engagement as printer demonstrates Peru's reliance on international security printing expertise during this formative period of the republic.

The obverse features a classical allegorical female figure (representing Industry, Commerce, or National Prosperity in the manner of Britannia) seated centrally and holding a cornucopia or similar prosperity symbol. On either side are detailed vignettes of steam locomotives with passenger cars, symbolizing transportation and modernization, set within landscape backgrounds with trees and hills. The design employs ornate decorative border patterns with denomination numerals '2' in decorative circular frames. The reverse displays a symmetrical heraldic design centered on what appears to be Peru's coat of arms or national emblem with geometric star/cross patterns, flanked by two large ornamental medallions containing the numeral 2 within circular decorative patterns. Both sides feature dense background patterns typical of ABNC security printing, with text framing the central design.

FRONT SIDE: 'LA REPÚBLICA DEL PERÚ' (The Republic of Peru); 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will pay the bearer); 'DOS SOLES' (Two soles); 'CONFORME A LO DISPUESTO EN LAS LEYES DE 27 DE ENERO Y 4 DE FEBRERO DE 1879' (In accordance with the provisions of the laws of January 27 and February 4, 1879); 'POR LA JUNTA ADMINISTRADORA Y EC.' (By the Administrative Board and etc.); 'American Bank Note Co. New York' (printer attribution). BACK SIDE: 'LA REPÚBLICA' / 'DEL PERÚ' (The Republic of Peru); 'DOS' (Two, repeated multiple times); 'American Bank Note Co. New York' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving via steel plate printing, executed by American Bank Note Company of New York. The visual analysis confirms the characteristic fine-line engraving, complex background patterns, and ornamental detail work typical of high-security banknote production in the 1870s-1880s. The multi-color printing on both front (black on green and brown underprint) and reverse (red-orange) was achieved through successive plate passes, a standard ABNC security technique of the period.

The visual analysis identifies serial number 'A659541', indicating this is from a specific serial number variety. The catalog data notes '3 serial number varieties' and 'signature varieties' exist for this Pick number. The specific variety of this example would require comparison of the serial number prefix (the 'A' designation) and examination of signature blocks against the known varieties documented in the PMG population report and specialized Peru currency catalogs. Without access to the definitive variety key, this note is preliminarily classified as a standard circulation example from the regular 1879 issue.