10 colones 1903 specimen
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a striking 1903 specimen note from the Banco Anglo-Costarricense featuring a handsome portrait of B. Carrillo in formal 19th-century dress within an ornamental medallion on the obverse. The note displays exceptional craftsmanship with vibrant multicolored printing (green and pink on the front, blue on the back) and intricate engraving throughout, preserved in uncirculated condition with sharp print quality and no visible wear. The reverse showcases a beautiful landscape vignette with mountains and architectural elements beneath a crescent moon, all rendered in fine detail characteristic of premium banknote production from the era.
Common. Although listed as 'Rare' in the RealBankNotes reference, the eBay price tracking data shows wide availability with multiple UNC specimens selling between $19.99 and $99.99 USD, with some as low as $4.50. This pricing pattern indicates regular supply at auction and dealer levels. The specimen designation (P-S123s) rather than a regular issue designation, combined with the moderate price range, suggests these notes are available to collectors but not difficult to acquire.
The Banco Anglo-Costarricense was a significant private financial institution in early 20th-century Costa Rica, and this 1903 issue reflects the nation's modernization during the leadership period of figures like B. Carrillo, whose portrait adorns the front. The inscription 'EN MONEDA NACIONAL DE ORO' (in national currency of gold) indicates this denomination was backed by gold reserves, a standard practice for maintaining confidence in currency during the era. The San José date line and formal presidential/administrative signatures underscore the official nature of this high-quality bank issue.
The obverse features a central portrait medallion of Braulio Carrillo, a prominent Costa Rican political figure, rendered in formal 19th-century dress with coat and collar, positioned within an ornate circular frame. The portrait is flanked by heraldic coat-of-arms designs and elaborate scrollwork in green and pink tones against a cream background. The reverse displays a serene landscape vignette depicting mountains beneath a crescent moon with architectural elements (possibly government buildings or fortifications), enclosed in a decorative circular frame and surrounded by large ornamental star or flower designs in the corners. The overall design reflects the high aesthetic standards of Banco Anglo-Costarricense's currency production.
Front: 'EMISIÓN BANCO ANGLO COSTARRICENSE' (Issue of the Anglo-Costarricense Bank); 'DIEZ COLONES' (Ten Colones); 'EN MONEDA NACIONAL DE ORO' (In national currency of gold); 'SAN JOSE, 1º DE ENERO DE 19[--]' (San Jose, 1st of January of 19[--]); 'EL PRESIDENTE' (The President); 'EL ADMINISTRADOR' (The Administrator); 'SERIE A' (Series A); 'Nº 57191' (Number 57191). Back: 'EL BANCO' (The Bank); 'ANGLO COSTARRICENSE' (Anglo-Costarricense); 'DIEZ' (Ten); '10' (10).
Intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel plate printing) with multicolor chromolithography for the background underprints. The fine line work, intricate scrollwork, and sharp detail visible throughout the note are characteristic of premium banknote engraving. Printer: BWC (Banknote World Company or similar security printer), as indicated in catalog records.
The catalog identifies this as P-S123s (specimen designation). The visual analysis shows 'SERIE A' designation with serial number 57191. PMG records indicate one cataloged variant (P-S123r, a regular issue version) for this base Pick number, suggesting the specimen version (S123s) shown here is a distinct variety from the circulating regular issue. The specimen designation indicates this was not released into circulation but rather retained as a proof or official archive copy, which is consistent with the pristine UNC condition observed.
