50 soles 1963

Common. This note is a standard regular issue from a well-documented series (P-85, issued 1962-1968) with substantial print runs. eBay market data shows consistent sales activity with VF-graded examples regularly selling in the $2.49-$7.49 range, and even uncirculated examples reaching only $12-15, indicating abundant supply. The catalog value for VF is assessed at $3.50, further confirming this as an everyday circulated note with no scarcity premium.

This banknote was issued during Peru's mid-20th century monetary period under the Soles de Oro currency system, authorized by Law No. 13958 as noted on the obverse. The Liberty allegory holding a staff and cornucopia symbolizes Peru's independence and national prosperity, while the reverse prominently features the Peruvian coat of arms with the vicuña (Andean camelid) and cornucopia, representing the nation's natural wealth and heritage. This 1963 date falls within the broader 1962-1968 series, reflecting Peru's relatively stable monetary policy during the early 1960s.

The obverse features a classical allegorical female figure (representing Liberty or Peru) seated in formal pose holding a staff, with a cornucopia (horn of plenty) positioned beside her, all contained within an ornate circular medallion. A Corinthian column is visible in the background of the central vignette, adding architectural gravitas to the composition. The reverse displays Peru's national coat of arms featuring a shield with a vicuña (the Andean camelid sacred to Peruvian heritage), cornucopia, and additional heraldic elements, flanked by laurel wreaths symbolizing civic honor. Both sides employ elaborate decorative borders with intricate geometric patterns, guilloché work, and rosette designs in all four corners containing the denomination '50'. The entire design is rendered in black and white/grey tones characteristic of fine line engraving.

FRONT: 'REPUBLICA PERUANA' (Peruvian Republic) | 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERÚ' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) | 'CINCUENTA SOLES DE ORO' (Fifty Soles of Gold) | 'DE ACUERDO CON LA LEY Nº13958' (In accordance with Law No. 13958) | 'LIMA' (Lima) | '20 DE SETIEMBRE DE 1963' (September 20, 1963) | 'SERIE H48' (Series H48) | '101396' (Serial Number) | 'PRESIDENTE' (President) | 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager) | 'DIRECTOR' (Director) | 'Thomas De La Rue & Co Ltd' (Printer) | BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERÚ' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru) | 'CINCUENTA SOLES DE ORO' (Fifty Soles of Gold) | 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & CO LTD LONDRES' (Thomas De La Rue & Co Ltd London)

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel plate printing), executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Ltd., London, one of the world's premier banknote printers. The note displays characteristic features of high-quality intaglio production including fine line guilloché patterns, complex geometric borders, detailed heraldic engraving, and intricate anti-counterfeiting design elements. The crisp detail visible in the allegorical figure, coat of arms, and ornamental work throughout confirms professional recess-printed intaglio methodology.

Series H48 is observed on this specimen. The note was issued with multiple signature varieties (positions for Presidente, Gerente General, and Director). This particular example is dated 20 September 1963 with serial number 101396. The series H designation and specific printing dates are documented in the 1962-1968 issue range. No rare overprints or error varieties are indicated for this Pick number.