VENEZUELA. Banco de Caracas. 100 Bolivares, 1.9.1879. P-S122. PMG Choice Fine 15.One of the most desirable and rare pieces of Venezuela numismatics we have ever offered. This issued 100 Bolivares from the Banco de Caracas is the sole example in issued format in the PMG population report. While the date is no longer visible, we know these were dated 1st of September 1879 upon issue, although it seems later someone inked "99" in the year portion of the date. This piece, even though it has seen extensive circulation and comes with splits, holes, and previous mounting remnants, should still be heralded as an extremely rare survivor of a short-lived institution.This is the second series of this iteration of the Banco de Caracas, which started and failed three separate times within a decade. The first series printed by the American Bank Note Company was denominated in Venezolanos. Notes from any of the different Banco de Caracas that existed are rare and typically seen in proof or specimen format. We have never offered an issued example from this group of banks before, and even our previous offerings of specimens and proofs are a very limited number, despite us selling some of the most advanced collections of Venezuelan paper money over the years.The second Banco de Caracas closed in 1881 when most of these notes were no doubt redeemed and destroyed, accounting for their rarity today. This type is listed as unconfirmed in issued form in the Banknote Book. The signatures of two officers of the bank are clearly visible, and while the date is no longer visible, there is no doubt that this is a genuine issued piece used in circulation. As such, extremely rare, and an important opportunity for the specialist of South American currency. PMG Comments "Splits, Previously Mounted."From the Jorge Gonzalez Collection.
