500 soles 1975

Common. This is a regular-issue banknote from a major economy (Peru) with substantial print runs typical of 500-denomination currency. The eBay price data provided confirms market values of $3-15 depending on condition, with recent sales consistently under $20 (VF examples at $3-4.55, PMG 66 at $18.49). These low secondary market prices are the strongest indicator that this note remains common and readily available to collectors.

Issued on October 2, 1975, during Peru's military government period, this note represents the Central Reserve Bank of Peru's effort to honor the nation's institutional heritage through its design choices. The prominent depiction of Nicolas de Pierola, a significant 19th-century Peruvian statesman and former President, reflects the country's focus on national identity and historical memory. The reverse's detailed illustration of the National Mint building underscores the importance of fiscal institutions in Peru's post-colonial development and monetary sovereignty.

The obverse features a classical composition with the Peruvian national coat of arms—a shield containing a vicuña (Andean camelid), a cinchona tree, and Cornucopia symbolizing the nation's natural wealth—rendered in an oval frame with radiating decorative lines at center. To the right is a detailed portrait in profile of Nicolás de Pierola (1839-1913), a significant Peruvian political figure and former President. Allegorical figures representing builders or industry occupy the left portion. The reverse presents the Casa Nacional de Moneda (National Mint) as a two-story classical structure with arched windows, columns, ornamental detailing, and a balustraded balcony with potted plants, emphasizing Peru's institutional monetary heritage. Both sides employ extensive ornamental spiral designs and guilloche patterns in the corners and borders.

FRONT: '500' (denomination); 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERÚ' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru); 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR' (Will pay to bearer); 'QUINIENTOS SOLES DE ORO' (Five hundred soles of gold); 'DE ACUERDO CON SU LEY ORGÁNICA' (In accordance with its organic law); 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'DIRECTOR' (Director), 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager) [signature lines]; 'NICOLAS DE PIEROLA' [portrait identification]; 'LIMA 2 DE OCTUBRE 1975' (Lima, October 2, 1975); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' [printer credit]. BACK: '500' (denomination); 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERÚ' (Central Reserve Bank of Peru); 'CASA NACIONAL DE MONEDA' (National Mint); 'QUINIENTOS SOLES DE ORO' (Five hundred soles of gold); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' [printer credit].

Intaglio (engraved) printing by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited of London, a leading international security printer. The noted security features include complex guilloche patterns (fine decorative network lines), intricate spiral ornamental designs, and detailed architectural and coat-of-arms engraving with radiating backgrounds—all characteristic of high-security intaglio production methods employed for currency during the 1970s.

Series L noted on obverse. Serial number format observed: L11162710 9 (alphanumeric prefix 'L' with numeric sequence). Replacement notes are identified by serial number prefix Z999. The visual analysis indicates three signature lines (Presidente, Director, Gerente General) characteristic of this issue. Issue date fixed as October 2, 1975 (Lima 2 de Octubre 1975) per catalog and visual confirmation.