10 colones 1941

Common. While this is a banknote from 1941 with historical significance, the eBay price data provided indicates modest market values ($10-$350 depending on condition), with regular sales at relatively accessible price points (notes in F condition selling for $126-$355). The Banco Nacional de Costa Rica issued this series in substantial quantities for circulation, and examples remain available in the collector market. The AU condition grade of this specimen is desirable but not exceptionally rare for the Pick number. No evidence of low print runs, recalls, or short-term issuance exists.

This 1941 issue commemorates early Costa Rican independence figures and indigenous heritage during a period when the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica was strengthening its note designs. The portrait of Florencio del Castillo honors his role as a deputy to the 1810 Spanish Cortes of Cadiz, a transitional moment in Latin American governance, while the reverse's cacique imagery reflects Costa Rica's connection to its indigenous Bribri and Cabécar peoples. The note's formal design and use of the prestigious London printer Waterlow & Sons reflect the bank's commitment to producing high-quality currency during the mid-20th century.

The obverse features a three-quarter portrait of Presbitero Florencio del Castillo, a prominent Costa Rican clergyman and statesman, dressed in formal suit and tie, centered on the note with fine decorative rosettes and scrollwork in the margins. The color scheme employs blue, green, pink, and brown inks in multicolor printing. Denomination numerals (X and 10) appear in ornamental frames at all four corners. The reverse presents a classical allegorical design featuring an indigenous cacique (tribal leader) with an elaborate feathered headdress, bare-chested, holding a staff or spear, with an eagle displayed above in heraldic fashion. This reverse imagery represents Costa Rica's indigenous heritage and connection to pre-Columbian civilizations. The design is rendered in monochromatic blue tones with fine line engraving throughout, emphasizing the prestige of the national bank and its currency.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE COSTA RICA' (National Bank of Costa Rica) / 'DEPARTAMENTO EMISOR' (Issuing Department) / 'DIEZ COLONES' (Ten Colones) / 'PRESITERO FLORENCIO DELCASTILLO' (Presbitero Florencio del Castillo) / 'DIPUTADO POR COSTA RICA A LAS CORTES DE CADIZ DE 1810' (Deputy for Costa Rica to the Cortes of Cadiz of 1810) / 'SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA' / '5 de Marzo de 1941' (March 5, 1941) / 'ACUERDO DEL CONSEJO DIRECTIVO No 8' (Board of Directors Agreement No. 8) / 'EL PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA GENERAL' (President of the General Directive Board) / 'EL SERENTE GENERAL DEL BANCO' (General Manager of the Bank) / 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDRES' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London) / Serial number: 330684, Series letter: F. REVERSE SIDE: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE COSTA RICA' (National Bank of Costa Rica) / 'DEPARTAMENTO EMISOR' (Issuing Department) / 'DIEZ COLONES' (Ten Colones) / 'CACIQUE INDIO DE COSTA RICA' (Indigenous Cacique of Costa Rica) / 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDRES' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London).

Intaglio engraving (steel plate printing), executed by Waterlow & Sons Limited of London, a world-class security printer. The note demonstrates fine line engraving characteristic of classical banknote production, with multiple color separations visible in the front design (blue, green, pink, brown, black, and cream base). The intricate geometric and floral patterns, precise portraiture, and multi-color overlay technique are hallmarks of Waterlow & Sons' work during this period. Security features include fine line detail throughout the design, complex ornamental patterns, and the printer's identifying mark ('WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDRES'), which served as both a mark of quality and security feature.

This specimen represents the P-205a variety, dated 5.03.41 (March 5, 1941), with serial number 330684 and series letter F. The Pick catalog notes a date range of 1939-1941 for this issue, indicating multiple printings across this span. Signature title changes are noted as absent ('Without signature title changes' per realbanknotes.com), suggesting a consistent design throughout the series. The specific collector notation '5.03.41' references the official issue date. No overprints or significant modifications are visible on this specimen.