The Bank of the Republic
Medio Peso Oro (Specimen) — known as “Lleritas”
A Postwar Fractional Note
Issued on January 18, 1948, this Medio Peso Gold specimen corresponds to the last section of Colombian fractional denominations linked to the gold standard, prior to the full decimalization of the currency. Printed by the American Bank Note Company, it exhibits refined engraving and very elaborate ornamental borders for a piece of such a low face value.
Obverse:portrait of a young military man —identified withAntonio Nariño— in the center, flanked by large figures “½” and “1/2”, with the legend “REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA · WILL PAY THE BEARER THE SUM OF HALF A PESO ORO”.Reverse:the coat of arms of Colombia in the center, with the condor, the Phrygian cap and plant motifs, framed in a highly crafted border.
“Lleritas”
Among Colombian collectors, this half peso circulates under the nickname “Lleritas”, a popular term for low-denomination peso fractions from the first half of the 20th century. As a specimen, it bears the red overprint “SPECIMEN” on both sides and numbering in zeros (00000), in addition to the cancellation perforations typical of the printer's archival specimens.
Sources
- Pick, Albert.Standard Catalog of World Paper Money.
- Hernández, Pedro Pablo.Coins and Banknotes of Colombia.
- Restrepo, Jorge Emilio.Coins of Colombia.
- Heritage Auctions —ha.com(opens in a new tab)
- Numista —numista.com(opens in a new tab)
- Bank of the Republic —banrep.gov.co(opens in a new tab)