1 peseta 1953
Market Prices
88 salesAbout This Note
This is a Spain 1 Peseta banknote from 1953 (Pick P-144) in AU condition, featuring a classical portrait of the Marqués de Santa Cruz on the obverse and a detailed sailing ship on the reverse. The note displays excellent preservation with sharp, clear printing throughout, minimal wear, and no significant creases or stains, making it an attractive example of mid-20th century Spanish currency design. The reddish-brown and mauve color scheme combined with intricate engraving patterns demonstrates the high-quality production standards of the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre.
Common. This banknote circulated widely during its period of use, and eBay market data shows consistent sales volumes across multiple condition grades from 2010-2022, with common grades (UNC, VF, EF, AUNC) typically selling for $1-$10 and only exceptional PMG-certified high grades (67-68) commanding premiums above $20-$30. The regular issue designation and stable supply confirm this is a commonly available note in the secondary market.
Issued on July 22, 1953, during the Franco era in Spain, this banknote represents a period of economic stabilization following the Spanish Civil War. The Marqués de Santa Cruz, depicted on the obverse, was a prominent 16th-century Spanish naval commander, reflecting Spain's maritime heritage and historical pride. The sailing ship imagery on the reverse reinforces the nation's naval tradition and colonial history, themes particularly resonant during this period of Spanish national identity reassertion.
The obverse features a classical right-facing portrait of the Marqués de Santa Cruz, rendered in fine engraving detail with distinctive beard and period clothing with ornate collar. An ornamental shield with cross-like heraldic design occupies the left side, while the large numeral '1' appears in an ornamental frame in the upper right corner. The reverse displays a detailed sailing caravel or galleon with multiple masts and full sails, centered within an ornate medallion frame. Both sides are bordered by intricate geometric crosshatch patterns and corner ornaments featuring lyre-like designs. The consistent reddish-brown and mauve tones on a cream background provide elegant visual harmony throughout the design.
FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO DE ESPAÑA' (Bank of Spain) / 'UNA PESETA' (One Peseta) / 'DE CURSO LEGAL' (Legal Tender) / 'Madrid 22 de Julio de 1953' (Madrid 22 July 1953) / 'EL GOBERNADOR' (The Governor) / 'EL INTERVENTOR' (The Auditor) / 'EL CAJERO' (The Cashier) / 'FABRICA DE MONEDA Y TIMBRE' (Mint and Stamp Factory). REVERSE SIDE: 'BANCO DE ESPAÑA' (Bank of Spain) / 'UNA PESETA' (One Peseta) / Serial number 'X9505629'.
Steel plate intaglio engraving, characteristic of the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) production methods of the era. The fine line patterns, detailed portraiture, and geometric security patterns visible throughout are consistent with high-quality intaglio printing. The sharp clarity of all impressions and the absence of printing defects indicate careful plate preparation and press management.
Serial number X9505629 is visible on this example. The note is dated Madrid 22 de Julio de 1953 with signatures for El Gobernador, El Interventor, and El Cajero positions standard for the 1953 issue. No distinctive overprints or emergency variations are observed. This represents the standard circulation variety for the Pick P-144 designation.
