50 centesimos 1939

Common. The extensive eBay price history provided shows consistent sales activity over more than a decade (2012-2026) with numerous UNC examples selling regularly for $2-$10, indicating a readily available note in the collector market. The 2016 catalog value of $2.75 for UNC further supports that this is a standard issue with no particular scarcity. While this specific series A variety exists, it does not command premium pricing or show characteristics of rarity.

This note was issued under the Law of January 2, 1939, by the Emission Department of the Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay during a period of currency standardization in the South American republic. The portrait of General José Gervasio Artigas, the founding father of Uruguayan independence, reflects the nation's emphasis on honoring its revolutionary heritage and national identity during the mid-20th century. The coat of arms depicted on the reverse symbolizes Uruguay's sovereignty and national pride during this era.

The obverse features a formal portrait of General José Gervasio Artigas (1764-1850), the founding father of Uruguayan independence and national hero, positioned centrally within an ornate oval frame with decorative borders. The portrait is rendered in classical engraving style consistent with 19th-century numismatic portraiture. The reverse displays Uruguay's national coat of arms, featuring the characteristic Sun of May at the top, a quartered shield containing symbolic elements including a lion and horizontal stripes, flanked by olive and laurel branches representing peace and victory. The entire design is surrounded by symmetrical ornamental corner frames with floral and scroll motifs. The color scheme of green and cream/beige provides elegant contrast and aids in distinguishing this denomination from others in the series.

FRONT: 'EL DEPARTAMENTO DE EMISIÓN DEL BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY' (The Emission Department of the Bank of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay) / 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR Y A LA VISTA' (Will pay to bearer on demand) / 'LEY DE 2 DE ENERO DE 1939' (Law of January 2, 1939) / 'CINCUENTA CENTESIMOS' (Fifty centesimos) / 'MONEDA NACIONAL' (National currency) / 'MONTEVIDEO' (City name) / 'SERIE A' (Series A) / 'CASA DE MONEDA DE CHILE' (Chilean Mint) / Signature titles: 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'CON GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager), 'SECRETARIO GENERAL' (General Secretary) / Serial number: '477613' / Denomination: '050' (0.50). BACK: 'DEPARTAMENTO DE EMISIÓN DEL BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY' (Emission Department of the Bank of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay) / 'CINCUENTA CENTESIMOS' (Fifty centesimos) / '050' (0.50).

This note was produced using intaglio engraving (also called recess printing or line engraving), executed by the Casa de Moneda de Chile (Chilean Mint). The fine line work visible in the decorative borders, portrait details, coat of arms, and background patterns is characteristic of intaglio printing, which creates raised ink surfaces and provides excellent security against counterfeiting through the depth and precision of the engraved lines.

This note is identified as Serie A (Series A), as inscribed on the front. The visual analysis confirms the presence of signature and signature title varieties typical of this issue, though the specific signature combinations are not legible in the provided images. The serial number 477613 in red ink is standard for this type. No overprints or other distinguishing variety markers are evident on this particular specimen.