5 soles 1956

Common. eBay auction data indicates consistent sales in the $1.50–$5.00 range for notes in VF to UNC condition (2014–2022 transactions), with professionally graded PMG examples (grades 65–67) selling in the $15.55–$44.00 range but not achieving premium valuations. The catalog value (2019) ranges from $1.50 in VF to $5.00 in UNC, well within the common note range. This is a regular issue from a major bank with no documented recall, short print run, or scarcity factors.

This note was issued during a period of institutional consolidation in Peru, with the Banco Central de Reserva del Peru firmly established as the country's monetary authority. The imagery—Liberty with torch and shield on the obverse, and the national coat of arms featuring the llama, cinchona tree, and cornucopia on the reverse—reflects Peru's national identity emphasizing freedom, natural resources, and agricultural wealth during the mid-20th century. The use of Thomas De La Rue as the London-based printer underscores Peru's integration into international financial systems and the prestige associated with British security printing in this era.

The obverse features a central allegorical composition depicting Liberty (or Justice) as a classical female figure in flowing robes, holding aloft a torch (representing enlightenment) and a shield (representing protection or strength), accompanied by a cherub or putto. The figure is positioned on or near a classical pedestal, emphasizing the neoclassical aesthetic. The design is framed by ornate decorative borders featuring intricate geometric lattice work, floral rosettes, and fine line engraving typical of high-security currency design. The reverse displays Peru's coat of arms in a circular heraldic composition featuring the national shield divided into quadrants containing the llama (representing wealth and fauna), the cinchona tree (representing the country's botanical riches), and a cornucopia overflowing with agricultural products—all surmounted by a heraldic crown and encircled by a laurel wreath symbolizing national pride and achievement. The denomination '5' is positioned in ornamental rosette frames in all four corners of both sides.

FRONT: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERÚ' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru); 'CINCO SOLES DE ORO' (Five Soles of Gold); 'LIMA' (Lima); '22 DE MARZO DE 1956' (March 22, 1956); 'DIRECTOR' (Director); 'PRESIDENTE' (President); 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager); 'Thomas De La Rue & Co Ltd' (printer); Serial number '444775'; Series designation 'SERIE J23'. BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERÚ' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru); 'CINCO SOLES DE ORO' (Five Soles of Gold); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & CO LTD' (printer); Denomination '5' repeated in all four corners.

Intaglio engraving (relief printing), produced by Thomas De La Rue & Co Ltd, London. The fine line engraving throughout—evident in the intricate geometric patterns, detailed facial features of the allegorical figure, complex heraldic elements, and ornamental rosettes—is characteristic of high-security banknote production. The sharp definition and clarity of impression visible in the EF condition specimen demonstrates the quality of plate engraving and paper used in this production run.

Series J23 with serial number 444775 (red serial numbering). The catalog reference notes 'signature varieties' exist for this Pick number, though the visual analysis does not clearly resolve the specific signatures present. The note bears the March 22, 1956 date printed on the obverse. Related varieties exist as cataloged by Pick (referenced notes P-70, P-81, P-83 show design evolution). The note was printed during the initial 1956 issue; similar designs continued with a second authorization date of March 18, 1960 (per external catalog reference), though this specimen bears only the 1956 date.