1 colon 1917 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen/proof note (making it less frequently encountered than circulation issues), eBay sales data shows recent UNC examples selling for approximately $6.50 with moderate bidding activity (7 bids), indicating steady collector demand but established supply. Printer's proofs from ABNC are generally more available than circulation specimens due to institutional archival practices and the survival of printer's records. The denomination and issuer are not historically rare or short-lived, and PMG has catalogued multiple varieties for this Pick number, suggesting adequate surviving examples in the market.

The Banco Anglo-Costarricense operated during Costa Rica's transition into the modern banking era, and this 1917 issue reflects the bank's aspiration to project stability and international credibility through ABNC's renowned engraving services. The classical Mercury figure on the reverse, traditionally symbolic of commerce and prosperity, was deliberately chosen to reinforce the bank's commercial orientation and Costa Rica's economic ambitions. The note's promise to pay in 'national gold currency' reflects the gold standard monetary system that underpinned international finance during this pre-World War II period.

The obverse features a formal portrait of an unidentified dignified gentleman in 19th-century formal dress with high collar and bow tie, positioned in an oval medallion at center-top. The design is framed by elaborate ornamental borders with scrollwork and floral designs in all four corners, with heraldic shields or coat-of-arms elements (including double-headed eagle motifs) positioned on the left and right sides. The reverse depicts the allegorical figure of Mercury (the Roman god of commerce), rendered as a classical semi-draped female figure seated and facing left, holding a palm frond or laurel branch as symbols of victory and achievement. Mercury is positioned above industrial machinery and factory equipment, representing the union of classical learning with modern industrial progress—a common theme in early 20th-century banking iconography. The reverse employs a predominantly green color scheme with white decorative cartouches containing denomination marks.

OBVERSE: 'EL BANCO ANGLO COSTARRICENSE' (The Anglo Costa Rican Bank); 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR A LA VISTA LA CANTIDAD DE UN COLON EN MONEDA NACIONAL DE ORO' (Will pay to bearer on sight the quantity of one colón in national gold currency); 'SAN JOSE' (location); 'EL PRESIDENTE' (The President); 'EL ADMINISTRADOR' (The Administrator); 'SERIE A' (Series A); Serial number 'No 007891'; Date '1917'; Printer credit 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY'. REVERSE: 'UN COLON' (One Colón); 'BANCO ANGLO COSTARRICENSE' (Anglo Costa Rican Bank); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution).

Steel-plate intaglio engraving by American Bank Note Company (ABNC), executed with fine line work, extensive crosshatching, and stippling to create security through design complexity. The note exhibits selective color application (chromolithography or hand coloring) over the black intaglio base, evident in the pink/red and blue-green decorative sections on the obverse and the uniform green coloring on the reverse. This is a printer's proof, representing the preparatory stage before full production runs.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-S121s (specimen variant). PMG records indicate at least three catalogued variants for this base Pick number: P-S121r (regular issue), P-S121s2, and P-S121s3. The visual specimen shows 'SERIE A' and serial number 007891. As a specimen/proof issue from ABNC, this represents the P-S121s classification. The specific variety would be further refined by the series designation and serial number range, with specimen notes typically bearing red specimen overprints or special markings (though none are clearly visible in the provided images, consistent with ABNC specimen proofs that sometimes lacked explicit overprinting).