Description and research notes
An exceptional large-format photographic proof pair for the 1935 500 Pesos issue, produced by the American Bank Note Company for the Departamento de Emisión del Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay. The second-highest denomination of the 1935 unified series, this oversized presentation proof was printed on heavyweight photographic paper and mounted on archival card for internal ABNC and official display albums rather than production review.
The obverse presents a radiant allegorical head of Liberty within a grand architectural frame and national arms below, while the reverse shows a multi-figure allegory of Victory and Prosperity symbolizing Uruguay’s industrial and cultural vitality. The enlarged layout highlights ABNC’s engraving precision and tonal depth at its artistic peak before the austerity of wartime printing.
Graded PMG 55 About Uncirculated on the face and PMG 63 Choice Uncirculated on the back, this proof pair captures the balance of ambition and artistry that characterized Uruguay’s 1935 design program, standing just below the commanding 1,000 Pesos issue.