Catalog
500 Pesos
| Issuer | Banco del Perú |
|---|---|
| Year | 1867 |
| Type | Standard circulation banknote |
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| Obverse description | The obverse is divided into ornate guilloche panels, with large decorative initials 'P' at left and right flanking a central vignette of a seated allegorical female figure with shield and spear. The lower left carries the Peruvian coat of arms and a standing figure, while the lower right bears a radiant sun face vignette. The bank title 'EL BANCO DEL PERU' and denomination 'QUINIENTOS PESOS' are inscribed in bold letterpress across the centre, with manuscript date and place lines reading 'Lima, 18__'. A border of repeating 'D' letters frames the entire note. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | No reverse image provided; reverse details are not confirmed from available catalog sources. |
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| Comments |
Banco del Perú was one of several private commercial banks chartered in Lima during the guano boom years, when Peru's export revenues created enough liquidity to support a nascent domestic banking sector. The 500 Pesos denomination was substantial — not everyday circulation money, but instrument for commercial settlement and interbank transfer. American Bank Note Company's work for Peruvian issuers in this period was prolific; the Lima banks relied almost entirely on New York engravers rather than developing local printing capacity.
Peru abandoned the peso in 1863 in favor of the sol, yet notes denominated in pesos continued to circulate under transitional arrangements well into the late 1860s — placing this issue directly in that awkward monetary interregnum.