1958 – Chile 100 Pesos Banknote - UNC – Banco Central de Chile “Arturo Prat” Issue

1958 – Chile 100 Pesos Banknote - UNC – Banco Central de Chile “Arturo Prat” Issue
CA$55.00

This 1958 Chile 100 Pesos banknote, issued by the Banco Central de Chile, features a commanding portrait of Arturo Prat Chacón (1848–1879) — Chile’s celebrated naval hero who perished in the Battle of Iquique. His likeness, engraved with meticulous detail, symbolizes patriotism and valor, making this note one of the most distinguished designs of Chile’s mid-20th-century currency.

The front of the note is printed in rich crimson red tones, with ornate scrollwork and classical guilloché framing the bold central denomination “100 CIEN PESOS.” The inscriptions “DIEZ CÓNDORES” and “CONVERTIBLES EN ORO CONFORME A LA LEY” reflect Chile’s late gold-standard era, when currency was backed by precious metal reserves. The note carries the printed signatures of bank officials beneath the denomination, while CASA DE MONEDA DE CHILE (Chile’s National Mint) appears along the bottom edge.

The reverse presents an elaborate geometric background featuring the large denomination “100” and the Banco Central de Chile seal, depicting a condor over a mountain landscape. The right side bears the overprint “10 CÉNTESIMOS DE ESCUDO,” marking the transitional adjustment to Chile’s new monetary unit (Escudo), introduced in 1960.

This issue represents a critical phase in Chile’s economic modernization and is a prime example of engraved Latin American artistry, admired by world banknote collectors for its crisp linework, patriotic theme, and exceptional printing quality.

Details:

  • Country: Chile

  • Denomination: 100 Pesos (Diez Cónodres)

  • Date Issued: 1958

  • Issuer: Banco Central de Chile

  • Front Design: Portrait of Arturo Prat, denomination in corners, ornate guilloché and scroll frame

  • Back Design: Banco Central de Chile seal with condor, denomination “100,” red overprint “10 Céntesimos de Escudo”

  • Color Scheme: Crimson red with cream background

  • Language: Spanish

  • Serial Number: K 6-101 243926

  • Printer: Casa de Moneda de Chile

  • Dimensions: Approx. 150 × 75 mm