2 colones 1941

Common. This is a regular issue from 1941-1945 with substantial print runs by Waterlow & Sons, one of the world's largest security printers at the time. The eBay pricing data provided shows UNC specimens selling for $40-105 and graded examples (PMG 65) at $132.50, which are modest valuations indicating regular availability in the collector market. The note shows typical circulation or storage wear, and AU specimens are neither scarce nor particularly sought after by specialized collectors.

Issued in 1941 during the rule of Bank Director Agreement No. 7, this note commemorates Juan Vázquez de Coronado, the Spanish conquistador and governor credited with establishing Spanish colonial rule in Costa Rica. The reverse scene specifically depicts the historical 'Rescue of Dulcene in Quepós' from 1563, a legendary episode connecting Coronado to colonial Costa Rican identity. The note's dating to June 18, 1941, places it within Costa Rica's mid-20th century nation-building period, when historical figures were prominently featured on currency to reinforce national heritage and institutional legitimacy.

The obverse presents a formal portrait of Juan Vázquez de Coronado, the 16th-century Spanish conquistador and colonial governor of Costa Rica, depicted in three-quarter profile facing left within an ornate circular frame with radiating gold guilloche patterns. The portrait shows fine engraved detail characteristic of intaglio work, with period-appropriate clothing including a white collar. Flanking the portrait are symmetrical decorative elements featuring blue and gold ornamental patterns and floral motifs typical of currency design security features. The reverse depicts a historical narrative scene titled 'Rescue of Dulcene in Quepós' (1563), showing multiple figures—both indigenous Costa Ricans and European colonial figures—in period dress engaged in a dramatic interaction, framed by ornamental borders and decorative medallion patterns in the corners. The overall color scheme is predominantly brown on a multicolor underprint with blue and gold accents on the obverse, while the reverse employs brown monochrome tones with fine cross-hatching to create depth in the engraved scene.

FRONT SIDE: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica); 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department); 'San José, Costa Rica' (San José, Costa Rica); '18 de Junio de 1941' (June 18, 1941); 'Acuerdo del Consejo Directivo Nº 7 de la Junta Directiva General' (Agreement of the Board of Directors No. 7 of the General Board of Directors); 'Dos Colones' (Two Colones); 'Juan Vázquez de Coronado Adelantado de Costa Rica' (Juan Vázquez de Coronado, Governor of Costa Rica); 'SIM-Gerente del Banco' (Bank Manager); Serial number '0104449' with series letter 'E'. BACK SIDE: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica); 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department); 'Dos Colones' (Two Colones); 'Rescate de Dulcene en Quepós por Juan Vázquez de Coronado - 1563' (Rescue of Dulcene in Quepós by Juan Vázquez de Coronado - 1563); 'Waterlow & Sons Limited, Londres' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London).

Intaglio (line engraving) by Waterlow & Sons Limited, London, a renowned security printer. The note exhibits classic intaglio characteristics including fine line work, complex guilloche patterns, intricate cross-hatching in background areas, and multi-color printing with a brown primary color and blue/gold accent colors on the obverse. The photographic-quality portrait and detailed narrative scene on the reverse are achieved through master engraving plates typical of high-security currency production from this era.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-201b, the second variety of the 1941 2 Colones issue. Key identifying characteristics include: the brown-on-multicolor obverse design; the 'SUB-GERENTE' (Sub-Manager) signature title overprint at right, consistent with the period's management authorization protocols; date of June 18, 1941; and the Waterlow & Sons printer attribution visible on the reverse. The series letter 'E' and serial number '0104449' are consistent with standard production sequences. The note's condition (AU) with visible creasing and age yellowing is typical for notes preserved from circulation or long-term collection storage during the past 80+ years.