5 soles 1879

Common. eBay sales data for this Pick number spanning 2011-2023 shows consistent circulation in the secondary market at modest prices ($8.90-$132.50 range, with F-grade specimens typically selling between $27-$54). The 2016 catalog value for F condition is $12.50, and multiple F-graded sales at $31-$54 indicate steady collector demand without scarcity premiums. The American Bank Note Company's production capacity and this note's straightforward design without limited print run indicators suggest normal production levels. Common condition evidence (foxing, creasing, circulation wear) confirms these were produced in quantities sufficient for broad circulation.

Issued during a transitional period in Peru's monetary history, this 1879 note reflects the country's consolidation efforts following the War of the Pacific (1879-1884). The inscriptions referencing laws from January and February 1879 indicate these notes were part of a formal fiscal emission established by Peru's Administrative and Supervisory Board of Fiscal Emission. The allegorical figures—one bearing a staff and crown (authority/governance) and another holding wheat (agricultural wealth)—symbolized the nation's aspirations to rebuild its economy and sovereignty during a tumultuous period.

The obverse presents a sophisticated classical engraved composition featuring two allegorical female figures in formal dress with attendant cherubs. The left figure represents governmental authority, depicted holding a staff crowned with a symbolic ornament, while the right figure embodies agricultural prosperity, holding wheat sheaves. These central portraits are flanked by shield or coat-of-arms designs reflecting Peru's national heraldry. The denomination 'CINCO SOLES' appears prominently in the upper portion with red numeral V accents, while additional 'CINCO' text markers appear in corners. Ornamental scrollwork, decorative corner medallions, and intricate border patterns throughout reinforce the note's security through fine-line engraving complexity. The reverse displays a mauve/rose-toned purely ornamental design featuring a large central geometric cartouche with extensive floral and scroll embellishments, characteristic of ABNC's decorative security printing approach. Serial number A572907 appears with handwritten signatures of officials, confirming this as a circulated bearer note.

FRONT: 'La República del Perú' (The Republic of Peru); 'Lima, Junio 30 de 1879' (Lima, June 30, 1879); 'Pagará al portador' (Will pay the bearer); 'CINCO SOLES' (Five Soles); 'Conforme dispuesto en las leyes de 7 de Enero y 4 de Febrero de 1879' (In accordance with laws of January 7 and February 4, 1879); 'Por la Junta Administradora y de Vigilancia de la Emisión Fiscal' (By the Administrative and Supervisory Board of Fiscal Emission); 'CINCO' (Five—denomination marking, appears twice); 'A572907' (Serial number, appears twice); Handwritten signatures of 'Jose Ma de Acomenda' and 'Del Almazo'; 'American Bank Note Co New York' (Printer attribution). BACK: 'LA REPÚBLICA' (The Republic); 'DEL PERÚ' (Of Peru); '5' (denomination markers on left and right); 'American Bank Note Co New York' (Printer attribution).

Steel plate intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York. The characteristic fine-line engraving techniques visible throughout—particularly in the intricate border patterns, allegorical figure renderings, and geometric ornaments on the reverse—confirm professional security printing methodology. Color printing employed multiple passes: black primary engraving overlaid with green security tinting in central areas and red decorative elements on the obverse; mauve/rose toning on the reverse. This multi-color intaglio approach was state-of-the-art security printing for the era.

This specimen represents a signature variety, identifiable through the handwritten signatures of officials 'Jose Ma de Acomenda' and 'Del Almazo' on the obverse. Serial number A572907 is visible, indicating standard numbering sequences for the regular issue. The visual analysis notes signature varieties exist for this Pick number. Additional varieties may include different signature combinations or serial number prefixes, though the visual data provided does not indicate this specimen is overprinted or exhibits other distinguishing characteristics beyond standard signature variation. The June 30, 1879 date is consistent with the catalog date and represents the primary issuance.