1 Escudo CLP #105

Front

Arturo Prat Chacón (1848–1879), Chilean naval hero and lawyer who commanded the corvette Esmeralda during the Battle of Iquique in the War of the Pacific. He died heroically boarding the Peruvian ironclad Huáscar on May 21, 1879, becoming Chile's most celebrated naval martyr and a symbol of national courage and sacrifice. His portrait has appeared on multiple Chilean banknote series.

Back

The founding of Santiago in 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, depicting the ceremonial establishment of the city with soldiers, indigenous peoples, and the raising of flags. The scene represents the colonial origins of Chile's capital and the beginning of Spanish settlement in the central valley, a pivotal moment in Chilean history that established Santiago as the administrative center of the Captaincy General of Chile.

History

This note is part of the Escudo series issued by the Banco Central de Chile from 1960 to 1975. The Escudo replaced the old Peso at a rate of 1 Escudo = 1,000 Pesos in 1960 as part of a monetary reform to combat inflation. The series featured prominent Chilean historical figures and national symbols. The Escudo itself was later replaced by the current Chilean Peso in 1975 at a rate of 1 Peso = 1,000 Escudos during another period of economic restructuring. Printed by Casa de Moneda de Chile, these notes represent mid-20th century Chilean currency design and honor the nation's naval heritage through the portrait of Arturo Prat, who remains one of Chile's most revered national heroes.