20 soles 1879

Common. While this is a 19th-century banknote and thus older than most modern currency, Peru P-7 was part of a regular fiscal emission from 1879 and appears regularly in the numismatic market. eBay sales data spanning 2015-2024 shows consistent availability, with VF specimens selling in the $40-75 range, and lower grades available for $18-65. The 2016 catalogue value for VF condition ($60) aligns with observed market prices, indicating healthy circulation among collectors without artificial scarcity. This is a standard, collectible issue rather than a rarity.

Issued June 30, 1879, during Peru's post-War of the Pacific reconstruction period, this note was authorized under the Law of January 30, 1879 and administered by the Administradora de la Emisión Fiscal. The prominent maritime and harbor imagery—including sailing ships, anchors, and coastal scenes—reflects Peru's economic dependence on maritime commerce and trade during the late 19th century. The classical allegorical figure and scales symbolize the principles of justice and order that Peru sought to project as it stabilized its fiscal system following the devastating 1879-1883 war.

This banknote features an elaborate design typical of American Bank Note Company production. The obverse centers on a classical female allegorical figure representing Liberty or Justice, seated and adorned in classical robes, holding balance scales and a torch or staff symbolizing justice and enlightenment respectively. She is positioned against a detailed harbor landscape featuring maritime commerce elements: sailing ships, anchors, and coastal features emphasizing Peru's trading prosperity. The reverse presents a more austere design with a large ornate numeral '20' and 'Veinte Soles' text in the center, flanked by two vignettes—a pastoral/agricultural scene on the left and maritime imagery on the right—within decorative scalloped frames. Both sides feature ornate corner medallions, geometric borders, and floral patterns characteristic of the era's premium currency production.

FRONT: 'República del Perú' (Republic of Peru); 'PAGADA A LA PORTADOR' (Paid to the Bearer); 'Veinte Soles' (Twenty Soles); 'Conforme a la Ley de 30 de Enero de 1879' (In accordance with the Law of January 30, 1879); 'Por la Junta y de Vigilancia de' (By the Board and Supervision of); 'LIMA JUNIO 30 DE 1879' (Lima, June 30, 1879); 'Administradora de la Emisión Fiscal' (Administrator of Fiscal Emission); Serial number 'A326759'; Roman numerals 'XX' (20). BACK: 'Veinte Soles' (Twenty Soles); '20' (denomination numeral); 'REP' (Republic—abbreviated); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, NEW YORK' (printer attribution).

This note was produced using classical steel-plate intaglio engraving by the American Bank Note Company of New York, the world's premier currency printer during this period. The technique is evidenced by the fine-line work visible throughout the design, intricate geometric patterns, the detailed allegorical figure, and the sharp definition of vignettes and borders. The green underprint/security features visible beneath the main obverse engraving represent layered printing to enhance security against counterfeiting—a standard practice for high-value denominations of the era.

The note displays signature varieties typical of this issue, with blue serial number 'A326759' visible in the upper portion. The 'A' prefix suggests this is from the standard production run. While the catalog notes that similar notes (P-6) exist, this specific Pick number (P-7) represents the 20 Soles denomination. No specific overprints, date variations, or other distinguishing characteristics beyond standard signature varieties are evident from the visual analysis. The June 30, 1879 date is consistent across the documented examples of this issue.