5 soles 1962
Market Prices
46 salesAbout This Note
This is a Peru 5 Soles de Oro from 1962, issued by the Banco Central de Reserva del Peru and printed by Thomas De La Rue in London. The note features an allegorical female figure (Liberty) with torch and palm frond on the obverse and Peru's national coat of arms on the reverse, rendered in green with red serial numbers. While the catalog lists this as UNC condition, the visual inspection reveals multiple folds, creases, center wear, and foxing marks throughout, indicating this note has actually seen moderate circulation and does not meet strict uncirculated standards despite the stated grade.
Common. This is a regular issue banknote from a long-running series (1962-1968 according to external catalogs) with substantial print runs by a major central bank. eBay market data shows consistent sales at $1-7 for most conditions, with even premium grades (PMG 66) selling for $14-20, indicating robust supply in the market. The note was not recalled, is not from a short-lived issuing authority, and remains widely available to collectors.
Issued during the post-World War II period when Peru was establishing its modern currency framework, this 1962 note reflects the nation's identity through allegorical symbolism. The Liberty figure holding the torch and palm frond represents Peruvian freedom and constitutional governance, while the reverse's coat of arms prominently featuring the Peruvian vicuña and agricultural elements emphasizes the nation's natural wealth and agricultural heritage during a period of economic development.
The obverse depicts Liberty as an allegorical female figure seated centrally, holding a torch in one hand and a palm frond in the other, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. A cherub or child figure is positioned beside the main allegorical figure. The design is framed by ornate decorative borders featuring geometric patterns and floral motifs, with security rosettes containing the denomination '5' positioned in the corners. The reverse displays Peru's national coat of arms at center, featuring the iconic vicuña (or alpaca) with agricultural and landscape elements, surrounded by a wreath or laurel branches denoting honor and sovereignty. Both sides employ the characteristic fine-line engraving typical of Thomas De La Rue's high-security banknote work.
FRONT: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) | 'CINCO SOLES DE ORO' (Five Soles of Gold) | 'SERIE J51' (Series J51) | '622596' (Serial number, appears twice) | 'LIMA, 9 DE FEBRERO DE 1962' (Lima, February 9, 1962) | 'DIRECTOR' (Director) | 'PRESIDENTE' (President) | 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager). BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) | 'CINCO SOLES DE ORO' (Five Soles of Gold) | 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & CO LTD' (Printer identification).
Intaglio engraving by Thomas De La Rue & Co Ltd, London. The note demonstrates the characteristic deep, precise line work and fine detail associated with De La Rue's security printing of the era, including intricate geometric border patterns, ornamental rosettes, and the detailed engraved coat of arms. The use of multiple colored inks (green dominant with red serial number overprints) indicates multi-pass printing or selective inking techniques employed for security purposes.
This note is Series J (specifically J51 based on visible serial number prefix). The catalog references P-83a as the variant designation. The issue date visible on the front is 'LIMA, 9 DE FEBRERO DE 1962' (February 9, 1962), though the external catalog indicates this design circulated with multiple date variations through 1968 (including dates of 1963, 1965, 1966, and 1968). The red serial number format and Series J designation are consistent with the standard 1962 emission. No overprints or special markings are visible on this example.
