1 Peso 1919, Chile
| in Krause book | Number: 15b |
| Years of issue: | 13.08.1919 |
| Edition: | |
| Signatures: | Zañartu, Magallanes |
| Serie: | 1898-1920 Issue |
| Specimen of: | 1898 |
| Material: | Cotton fiber |
| Size (mm): | 120 x 70 |
| Printer: | American Bank Note Company, New-York |
* All pictures marked 
are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image.
** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks.
Description
Watermark:
Possible watermarks on the paper of the banknote 1 Peso 1919.
Avers:
The coat of arms of Chile is on left side.
The coat of arms of Chile dates from 1834 and was designed by the English artist Charles Wood Taylor (1792-1856). It is made up by a figurative background divided in two equal parts: the top one is blue and the bottom, red. A five pointed white star is in the center of the shield. This background is supported in one side by a condor, the most significant bird of prey from the Andes, and in the other, by a huemul, a singular and rare mammal of the Chilean territory. Both animals have in their heads the navy's golden crown, symbol of the heroic deeds of the Chilean Navy in the Pacific Ocean.
The coat of arms is crowned by a three feathered crest; each feather bearing one colour: blue, white and red. This crest was a symbol of distinction that former Presidents of the Republic used to wear on their hats.
Underneath the coat of arms and on the elaborated pedestal, there is a white band with the motto: "Por la Razón o la Fuerza" (By reason or force) (not depicted on banknote!).
In the center is the Building of the Chilean National Museum of Natural History, in Santiago (Parque Quinta Normal, Santiago, Región Metropolitana).
The current building, occupied by the National Museum of Natural History of Chile, was originally built in 1875, in Santiago de Chile, to host the First International Exhibition of Agriculture and Industry. This building acquired great relevance at that time, and its facade became a kind of icon, which was reflected in the minting of many medals, coins and banknotes. Subsequently, the image of the building changed, but it continued to be depicted on postage stamps, posters and tourist postcards. After the end of the fair, January 16, 1876,
in view of the popularity achieved by the building, the Supreme Government saw fit to make the permanent headquarters of the National Museum, now the National Museum of Natural History, here.
It is one of the oldest natural history museums in Latin America. The spacious halls present a unique collection of local flora and fauna (both modern and prehistoric), archaeological finds made in Chile, all kinds of stones and minerals.
The National Museum of Natural History (or Chilean National Museum of Natural History) was founded in 1830 by French naturalist Claude Gray. Then still a young but very ambitious scientist made every effort to make the exposition varied and interesting. Initially, of course, the collection was more than modest, and it told about the biology, geography and mineral resources of Chile.
The two-story building of the National Museum of Natural History resembles a palace or a mansion. The main entrance stands out beautifully, protruding forward due to snow-white columns, behind which there are three wide wooden doors. On both sides of it stretches the main building of light brick, decorated with two rows of lancet windows. The museum, by the way, was twice subjected to serious restoration work, and each time such a need arose after earthquakes - in 1906 and 1927.
Inside you are greeted by spacious halls, made according to the same principle. The center of the room is separated from the walls by a row of columns, as if forming a gazebo around the perimeter. The second floor is completely represented by a balcony. In the middle of the room, the largest exhibits are installed - as a rule, skeletons, stuffed animals, models, and other large items. Behind the columns and on the balcony are smaller display cases of treasures.
Almost the entire first floor is occupied by the largest of the museum's exhibitions, the Biogeography of Chile. Numerous species of native plants and animals are represented here. Behind the glass, with the help of skilfully made effigies, whole scenes from the life of various representatives of the fauna are lined up.
Flora is represented by wonderful herbariums. For the convenience of visitors, a map is placed near many showcases, which indicates where this or that species lives. There is also an interactive exhibition for children, where children are introduced to representatives of wildlife in a playful way. Collections of minerals, local metals (mainly copper), insects, molluscs, vertebrates of the Mesozoic era. The latter attracts primarily with the stunningly preserved skeleton of a carnotaurus (the ancestor of the sloth), which is already 11,000 years old.
The halls dedicated to archaeological excavations are also remarkable. What only scientists did not discover underground! The real pride of this department is a collection of wooden tablets from Easter Island, decorated with hieroglyphs, or simply rongo-rongo. (enjourney.ru)
And one more little detail...
If you look closely, you can see a sculpture on the banknote in front of the museum building.
This is a female allegory of the Republic of Chile, which symbolizes Industry. The sculpture, made in the Greco-Roman style, was installed on this site in 1875, before the First International Exhibition of Agriculture and Industry. The author of the sculpture is unknown.
Federico Marcos del Rosario Errázuriz Zañartu (April 25, 1825 - July 20, 1877) was a Chilean political figure. He served as the president of Chile between 1871 and 1876.
He was born in Santiago in 1825, of Basque descent. He studied law in the University of Chile.
He was made a deputy in parliament at an early age, and took some part in the parliamentary debates. In 1860 he was made chief of the province of Santiago, and introduced many reforms. In 1862, during Pérez's administration, he became secretary of justice and of public instruction; and in 1865, during the Chincha Islands War with Spain, he was secretary of war and the navy.
In 1871 Errázuriz became president of the republic of Chile, and introduced liberal reforms of great importance to the country, tending toward the secularization of public instruction and freedom of worship. He amended the constitution of 1833 by means of a law which was very much discussed in congress, abolished ecclesiastical privileges, and built several railways in the northern and southern parts of the country. He also organized several exhibitions of industry and art, the most important being the Exposición Universal of 1875, held in a magnificent palace built in the Quinta Normal de Agricultura expressly for that purpose. Errázuriz improved the navy by adding to it the two steel men-of-war “Cochrane” and “Blanco Encalada.” He also improved the condition of the army, and contributed greatly to the material progress and welfare of his country.
He died in Santiago soon after retiring from office. 
Revers:
Denomination in the center, left and right - guilloche rosette.
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