Description and research notes
A photographic proof pair for the 1 Peso issue dated 1939, prepared for the Departamento de Emisión del Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay. Produced as part of the unified 1939 series, this proof pair documents the finalized design of the lowest denomination in photographic form prior to circulation printing.
The obverse features a formal engraved portrait of José Gervasio Artigas at right, balanced by the national arms and denomination within a structured ornamental framework. The engraving reflects the restrained, highly legible design language adopted for Uruguay’s pre-war series, emphasizing clarity, symmetry, and institutional authority.
The reverse presents a maritime scene of sailing vessels at sea, framed by architectural columns and ornamental borders. The composition conveys commerce, navigation, and national outlook, rendered with fine cross-hatching and controlled tonal depth consistent with late-1930s security engraving practice.
Printed on photographic paper and mounted on cardstock, this proof pair was created as an archival record of the approved engraving rather than for press setup or circulation use. Preserved as a complete face-and-back ensemble and certified by Professional Coin Grading Service Currency as Very Choice New 64, it survives as a rare documentary artifact of Uruguay’s 1939 banknote program.