10 colones 1963

Common. The 1962-1967 issue series of Costa Rican 10 colones notes had substantial circulation and printing runs. Recent eBay auction data shows multiple sales ranging from $20-$78 depending on grade, with UNC examples cataloging at approximately $60 (2019 values). The availability of multiple PMG-graded examples and regular market appearances indicate this is a widely available note among collectors. While not worthless, it lacks the scarcity characteristics that would elevate it to uncommon or scarce status.

This note was issued on October 9, 1963, during a period of economic development and modernization in Costa Rica under the direction of the Banco Central de Costa Rica. The portrait of Aquileo Echeverría honors the 19th-century Costa Rican poet and writer who is considered a national cultural figure. The reverse design celebrating the traditional carreta costarricense reflects the nation's pride in its agricultural traditions and rural heritage during a transitional period between traditional and modern economic systems.

The obverse features Aquileo Echeverría (1866-1931), Costa Rica's renowned poet and writer, depicted in formal profile portrait facing right within an ornate oval frame. He is rendered in classical banknote portraiture style wearing formal business attire (suit and tie). The portrait is surrounded by decorative red and white geometric patterns including what appears to be a national emblem or coat of arms in red and white above the central portrait oval. Large denomination numerals '10' appear in ornamental octagonal frames with 'X' marks in the top left and bottom right corners, a standard feature of Thomas de la Rue designs. The reverse showcases a detailed engraved landscape scene depicting the iconic carreta costarricense—a traditional ox-drawn wooden cart—in a rural agricultural setting with fields and distant hills, representing Costa Rica's agrarian identity and cultural heritage. Fine linework and intricate crosshatching throughout provide security and aesthetic appeal.

FRONT: 'Banco Central de Costa Rica' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'DIEZ COLONES' (Ten Colones); '9 de octubre de 1963' (October 9, 1963); 'San Jose, Costa Rica' (San Jose, Costa Rica); 'Acuerdo de la Junta Directiva No 22' (Directive Board Agreement No. 22); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution). Serial number: 'B 0751164'. BACK: 'Banco Central de Costa Rica' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'DIEZ COLONES' (Ten Colones); 'CARRETA COSTARRICENSE' (Costa Rican Cart/Carriage); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London, as evidenced by the fine detailed linework, precise crosshatching patterns, ornamental geometric designs, and the characteristic depth of image visible in security features. The complexity of the portrait rendering and landscape scene, along with the intricate octagonal denomination frames, are typical of high-quality intaglio work produced by this renowned British security printer. Multi-color printing on a cream/white base stock with blue and red inks applied in separate passes.

This specific note bears the date '9 de octubre de 1963' and carries serial number 'B 0751164' with Series B designation. The note shows evidence of handwritten notations or marks, consistent with vault or collection handling marks rather than printer varieties. Thomas de la Rue printer credit is clearly stated. The 1962-1967 issue series represents a single major type for Pick P-229, though individual notes can vary by year within the authorized circulation period, with 1963 being mid-range within that window.