50 soles 1962

Common. Despite its age and historical significance, this note remains common in collector markets. eBay sales data confirms consistent pricing in the $2.49–$16.52 range for VF examples over a 10-year period, with catalog values of $3.50 for VF grade (2019). The print run for this series was substantial, the note was not recalled, and it circulated freely without significant attrition. Regular auction and eBay activity with modest pricing reflects typical collector demand for an accessible, mid-tier historical banknote rather than a scarce or rare issue.

Issued under Law No. 13958 by the Banco Central de Reserva del Perú, this 1962 note reflects Peru's post-war economic stabilization and the adoption of the Soles de Oro standard. The allegorical Liberty figure with shield and staff, combined with the heraldic coat of arms featuring Peru's national symbols (the shield with tree and wavy band, flanked by laurel branches), emphasizes national sovereignty and constitutional governance during a period of relative political stability in Peru. The use of the prestigious London printer Thomas de la Rue underscores the Central Bank's commitment to modern, secure currency design.

The obverse features a classical allegorical female figure representing Liberty, depicted seated in draped Greco-Roman robes, holding a staff or spear in one hand and a shield in the other, positioned within an ornate circular vignette frame alongside a classical architectural urn. The design employs elaborate Art Deco-influenced corner medallions containing the denomination '50,' with intricate decorative scrollwork and floral ornamental elements throughout. The reverse displays Peru's heraldic coat of arms centered in a circular frame: a shield featuring a vertical wavy band flanked by Peruvian flora symbolism, surmounted by a laurel wreath, with additional laurel branches positioned symmetrically on either side. The entire composition employs symmetrical, formal classical design principles typical of professional state banknote design of the 1960s.

FRONT: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERÚ' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru), 'CINCUENTA DE ORO' (Fifty of Gold), 'SERIE H43' (Series H43), Serial number 262346, 'LIMA' (Lima), '9 DE FEBRERO DE 1962' (February 9, 1962), 'DECRETO AL PORTADOR' (Decree to Bearer), 'EXPEDIDA CON LA LEY Nº13958' (Issued under Law No. 13958), 'Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd' (printer attribution). BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA' (Central Reserve Bank), 'DEL PERÚ' (of Peru), '50' (denomination), 'CINCUENTA SOLES DE ORO' (Fifty Soles of Gold), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & CO LTD LONDRES' (Thomas De La Rue & Co Ltd London).

Intaglio engraving, the premium security printing method characteristic of Thomas de la Rue & Co., Ltd.'s work during this period. The note displays exceptional fine-line engraving with cross-hatching, guilloche patterns in corner medallions, and intricate detail work in both the allegorical Liberty figure and heraldic coat of arms. The crisp, sharp reproduction visible in both VF condition observations and the absence of printing flaws indicate high-quality steel plate engraving with precise registration. No additional security features beyond the engraving complexity are apparent, typical of early 1960s Peruvian currency.

This specimen is identified as Series H with serial number 262346, part of the standard H-series printing run. The visual analysis confirms the February 9, 1962 date printed on the note. The Pick catalog notes related issues exist (PERU P-78 and P-89), and realbanknotes.com references three known date variants within this Pick number: 1962, 20.9.1963, and 23.2.1968, indicating multiple printing dates under the same design and Pick classification. The observed example shows 'SERIE H43' designation and appears to be from an earlier printing batch. No overprints, signature variations, or printing anomalies are evident in this example.