5 soles 1879

Common. This note trades regularly on the secondary market with consistent sales in the $40-$55 range for Fine condition examples. Historical eBay data shows 14+ sales over an 8-year period (2014-2026), with F-grade copies averaging $25-$35, indicating steady but not exceptional collector demand. The 2016 catalog value of $12.50 for Fine grade versus current market prices suggests modest appreciation, but the regular availability of this Pick number in the market confirms it is a common denomination from a substantial fiscal issue.

Issued on June 30, 1879, this note was printed under the authority of Peru's fiscal administration during a period of economic reorganization following the War of the Pacific (1879-1884). The decree dates of January 27 and February 4, 1879 reference specific enabling legislation for this fiscal emission. The allegorical female figures—one holding a scepter with a cherub, the other depicted with harvest imagery—symbolize Peru's sovereignty and economic prosperity during this period of national consolidation.

This note features the classical allegorical design typical of American Bank Note Company productions of the era. The obverse displays two allegorical female figures—Liberty or Abundance on the left holding a scepter with a cherub attendant, and another figure on the right seated with wheat/harvest imagery attended by putti, symbolizing agricultural prosperity and national bounty. The design is framed by an ornate border with 'CINCO SOLES' repeated around the perimeter in decorative cartouches. The reverse presents a symmetrical design with large decorative numerals '5' on both left and right sides, framing a central heraldic emblem within shield-form cartouches. The entire composition employs fine line engraving and cross-hatching typical of security banknote printing, with no portraits of historical figures—consistent with Republican-era Peruvian fiscal notes that emphasized national allegory rather than individual leadership.

FRONT: 'CINCO' (Five) / 'República del Perú' (Republic of Peru) / 'Lima Junio 30 de 1879' (Lima June 30 of 1879) / 'Pagará al portador' (Will pay to bearer) / 'CINCO SOLES' (Five Soles) / 'Conforme al Decreto en las leyes de 27 de Enero y 4 de Febrero de 1879' (In accordance with Decree in the laws of January 27 and February 4 of 1879) / 'POR LA JUNTA ADMINISTRADORA Y DE VIGILANCIA DE LA EMISIÓN FISCAL' (By the Board of Administrators and Supervisors of the Fiscal Issue) / 'American Bank Note Co, New York' (printer attribution) / Serial number: C668689. BACK: 'LA REPÚBLICA' (The Republic) / 'DEL PERÚ' (Of Peru) / Large denominational numeral '5' / 'American Bank Note Co, New York' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (bank note engraving) produced by American Bank Note Company, New York. The note exhibits characteristic fine line work, cross-hatching, and intricate geometric patterns indicative of steel or copper plate engraving. The multi-color printing (black on green and red underprint on front; brown/mauve on reverse) was achieved through multiple plate impressions. The precise serial number placement and consistent registration across both sides demonstrate professional security printing standards of the period.

The observed example shows serial number C668689, indicating mid-range serial number distribution typical of this issue. The visual analysis notes 'signature varieties' exist for this pick number. The note displays no visible overprints or dramatic printing errors. Variants of P-4 may include different signature combinations from the Junta Administradora officials and potential variations in serial number prefixes, though the basic design remains consistent. PMG population data indicates this Pick number has 6 cataloged variants, likely relating to signature differences and potentially denominations within the 1879 fiscal series.