5 soles 1965
Market Prices
46 salesAbout This Note
This is a superb example of Peru's 1965 issue 5 Soles de Oro (Pick P-83), displaying exceptional preservation in uncirculated condition. The note features brilliant green intaglio printing with crisp, sharp detail throughout both obverse and reverse, showing no wear, creases, or foxing. The allegorical Liberty vignette and Peruvian coat of arms are rendered with remarkable clarity, making this an attractive example of mid-20th century Peruvian currency design.
Common. This note represents a regular issue of the Banco Central de Reserva del Peru with circulation spanning 1962-1968, ensuring substantial print runs. Secondary market data from eBay auctions indicates consistent availability with UNC examples regularly selling in the $2-7 range, with occasional outliers reaching $10-20. The 2019 catalogue value of $4 for UNC condition further confirms this is a widely available note in the collector market. No evidence of short print runs, recalls, or scarcity exists for this Pick number.
Issued by the Banco Central de Reserva del Peru during the mid-1960s, this note reflects Peru's post-war monetary stability under the 'Soles de Oro' standard. The allegorical female figure labeled 'PAGADORA AL PORTADOR' (Bearer's Payer) symbolizes the bank's commitment to redeeming currency on demand, while the reverse's coat of arms emphasizing Peru's agricultural and natural wealth represented the nation's economic foundation during this period of relative prosperity.
The obverse features a classical allegorical composition with Liberty (the female figure labeled 'PAGADORA AL PORTADOR') as the central vignette, depicted holding a staff topped with a solar disc symbol, accompanied by a cherub figure. The design employs symmetrical corner medallions containing the denomination numeral 5 in ornate frames. Elaborate geometric and floral border patterns in fine intaglio work frame the central design. The reverse displays Peru's national coat of arms—a heraldic shield containing symbols of the nation's agricultural and natural resources, surrounded by ornate wreath and heraldic design elements. Corner medallions mirror the obverse with denomination 5 numerals. Both sides maintain consistent green color printing on light background with intricate decorative patterns throughout.
FRONT: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru); 'PAGADORA AL PORTADOR' (Payable to Bearer); 'CINCO SOLES DE ORO' (Five Soles of Gold); 'DE ACUERDO CON LA LEY 1552' (In Accordance with Law 1552); 'DIRECTOR' (Director); 'PRESIDENTE' (President); 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager); Issue location and date: 'LIMA' / '18 de Junio de 1965' (June 18, 1965); Series marking 'SERIE J102'; Serial number '513822'. 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 attribution).
Intaglio engraving (recess printing), executed by Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd., London—one of the world's premier security printers. The visual analysis confirms characteristic intaglio features including fine line geometric mesh patterns, detailed cross-hatching in decorative areas, and crisp impression of finely engraved lines. The precision of the heraldic and allegorical designs demonstrates the high technical standards of this British security printer's work.
This specific example is dated 18 de Junio de 1965 (June 18, 1965) in Series J with serial number 513822. The PMG population report indicates one catalogued variant (P-83a) exists for this base Pick number. Multiple issue dates are documented in the 1962-1968 period (1962, 20.9.1963, 18.6.1965, 18.11.1966, 23.2.1968), with this specimen representing the June 1965 printing. Series J designation is consistent with catalog references. No significant overprints, signature varieties, or printing errors are evident in this example.
