1971 – Chile 500 Escudos Banknote - UNC – Banco Central de Chile “Copper Nationalization” Issue

1971 – Chile 500 Escudos Banknote - UNC – Banco Central de Chile “Copper Nationalization” Issue
CA$50.00

This 1971 Chile 500 Escudos banknote, issued by the Banco Central de Chile, commemorates one of the most significant economic milestones in the nation’s history — the nationalization of copper, nitrate, and iron industries. The obverse features a striking portrait of a Chilean miner wearing a hard hat, symbolizing the strength and dignity of Chile’s working class during this transformative industrial era. In the background, smokestacks and industrial buildings highlight the country's growing metallurgical and mining infrastructure.

Printed in red, blue, and green tones, the note’s intricate guilloché patterns and layered engraving capture the sophistication of Casa de Moneda de Chile’s 1970s production techniques. The text below reads:
“1971 Año de la Nacionalización del Cobre, Salitre y Hierro” — 1971, Year of the Nationalization of Copper, Nitrate, and Iron.

The reverse depicts a breathtaking panoramic view of Chuquicamata, one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world, located in northern Chile. Detailed machinery, railways, and terraces illustrate the scale of Chile’s mining achievement. The national coat of arms of Chile — with the motto “Por la Razón o la Fuerza” (By Reason or by Force) — is prominently engraved on the left side, symbolizing sovereignty and resilience.

This historic note reflects Chile’s economic independence movement under President Salvador Allende and remains a powerful collectible for those interested in Latin American history, political change, and industrial progress.

Details:

  • Country: Chile

  • Denomination: 500 Escudos

  • Date Issued: 1971

  • Issuer: Banco Central de Chile

  • Front Design: Chilean miner in hard hat, industrial background, commemorative text of nationalization

  • Back Design: Chuquicamata copper mine with Chilean national coat of arms

  • Color Scheme: Multicolor (red, green, blue, and brown tones)

  • Printer: Casa de Moneda de Chile

  • Serial Number: B 22 – 2944546

  • Dimensions: Approx. 150 × 75 mm

  • Language: Spanish

  • Text on Note: “1971 Año de la Nacionalización del Cobre, Salitre y Hierro”