50 soles 1956

Common. Despite its age (1956-1959 issuance period), this note remains common in the market. Secondary market evidence strongly supports this assessment: eBay transaction history shows consistent sales in the $3.49 to $15.63 range for VF specimens, with the 2019 catalogue value for VF grade at $4.50 and UNC at $17.50. The regular issue classification and the extended issuance period (1956-1959) indicate a substantial print run. The consistent availability and low price point in the secondary market confirm this is not a scarce or rare issue, though in VF condition it represents a nice collectible example.

This banknote was issued during Peru's post-war monetary stabilization period under the Banco Central de Reserva del Perú, established to manage the nation's currency reserves. The classical Liberty figure depicted on the obverse reflects the tradition of representing national freedom and sovereignty through allegorical female imagery, a common motif on Latin American currency of this era. The reverse features Peru's national coat of arms with heraldic elements including the shield and laurel branches, symbolizing the state authority backing the currency during a period of economic consolidation.

The obverse features a classical allegorical composition centered on a seated female figure representing Liberty or national sovereignty, depicted in the Britannia style wearing draped robes and holding a staff or spear of authority. To her right is positioned a decorative classical vessel or urn, reinforcing the allegorical theme. The design is framed by an ornate circular medallion border with intricate geometric and scrollwork patterns, with the denomination '50' displayed in four ornamental square frames positioned at each corner. The reverse displays the Peruvian national coat of arms prominently centered within a circular medallion, flanked by laurel or palm fronds representing honor and achievement. The arms feature heraldic elements including an eagle and tree symbolizing Peru's sovereignty and natural wealth. Like P-72, this note employs signature varieties and displays the date of issue (March 22, 1956) along with Lima as the place of issue.

FRONT SIDE: 'Banco Central de Reserva del Perú' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) | 'Cincuenta Soles de Oro' (Fifty Soles of Gold) | 'De Acuerdo con la Ley Nº 10535' (In Accordance with Law No. 10535) | 'Serie H15' (Series H15) | '920187' (Serial Number) | 'Lima' (Lima) | '22 de Marzo de 1956' (March 22, 1956) | 'Director' (Director) | 'Presidente' (President) | 'Gerente General' (General Manager) | 'Thomas de la Rue & Co Ltd. Londres' (Thomas De La Rue & Co Ltd. London). BACK SIDE: 'Banco Central de Reserva del Perú' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) | 'Cincuenta Soles de Oro' (Fifty Soles of Gold) | '50' (Denomination) | 'Thomas de la Rue & Co Ltd. Londres' (Thomas De La Rue & Co Ltd. London)

Intaglio engraving, the traditional high-security printing method employed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, one of the world's premier banknote printers. The note exhibits characteristic features of intaglio production including fine line work, complex crosshatching patterns, intricate geometric designs, and dimensional relief that creates tactile security features. The engraved line work throughout both obverse and reverse demonstrates the exceptional craftsmanship of De la Rue's London facilities, with detailed work visible in the central medallion, ornamental borders, and security patterns designed to prevent counterfeiting.

This specimen is catalogued as Pick P-78, with PMG records indicating P-78a as the principal variant designation. The note displays Series H15 with serial number 920187, which represents one of multiple signature and series combinations issued during the 1956-1959 period. Signature varieties are known for this issue, as referenced in the catalog data noting 'signature varieties' for similar notes (P-72, P-85, P-89). The specific date observed on this specimen is March 22, 1956, representing an early issue from the initial release year of this design type.