2 colones 1942

Common. Market data from realbanknotes.com indicates eBay sales ranging from $105-$132.50 for higher grades (PMG 65, UNC), with 2016 catalog values placing an UNC specimen at only $40. The note's circulation period (1941-1945) and the absence of any reported scarcity in numismatic literature suggest a robust print run. The observed AU condition, while attractive, commands no significant premium relative to lower grades, further confirming common status.

This note commemorates Juan Vázquez de Coronado, a prominent 16th-century Spanish conquistador and founder of San José, Costa Rica. The reverse depicts the 'Rescue of Dulceche in Quepos by Juan Vázquez de Coronado - 1563,' a pivotal moment in Costa Rican colonial history when Coronado led the rescue of indigenous peoples. The 1941-1945 series reflects Costa Rica's mid-20th century emphasis on national historical figures and events during a period of institutional banking stability.

The obverse features a central oval medallion portrait of Juan Vázquez de Coronado, identifiable by his bearded visage and Renaissance-era attire with distinctive white ruffled collar, rendered in detailed engraving. The portrait is surrounded by ornate decorative elements including floral and geometric patterns in the corners, multiple ornamental borders, large Arabic numerals '2' and Roman numerals 'II' positioned in the corners, and circular decorative medallions with complex geometric designs. The reverse depicts a historical engraving of the rescue scene showing multiple figures—indigenous peoples and colonial-era dressed individuals—engaged in the dramatic 1563 rescue at Quepos, with landscape elements indicating colonial settlement activity. Large ornamental medallions flank both sides of the central historical scene. The overall color palette employs brown, green, gray, and blue accents with fine line work and intricate geometric background patterns throughout.

FRONT: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica); 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department); 'San José, Costa Rica' (location); '15 de Julio de 1942' (July 15, 1942); 'Acuerdo del Consejo Directivo No. 6' (Agreement of the Board of Directors No. 6); 'Dos Colones' (Two Colones); 'Serie E' (Series E); 'Sub-Gerente del Banco' (Sub-Manager of the Bank); 'Presidente de la Junta Directiva General' (President of the General Board of Directors); 'Waterlow & Sons Limited / Londres' (Waterlow & Sons Limited / London); Serial number: 0899600. BACK: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica); 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department); 'Dos Colones' (Two Colones); 'Rescate de Dulcehe en Quepos por Juan Vázquez de Coronado - 1563' (Rescue of Dulceche in Quepos by Juan Vázquez de Coronado - 1563); 'Waterlow & Sons Limited, Londres' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London).

Intaglio engraving, executed by Waterlow & Sons Limited of London, a renowned security printer specializing in banknote production. The note displays characteristic intaglio features including fine line patterns, detailed portrait engraving with subtle tonal variations, ornate border designs, and intricate background patterns. Red ink is used for serial numbers. The multi-color underprint visible on the front and the complexity of the security features indicate sophisticated plate work typical of Waterlow & Sons' early 20th-century production standards.

This specimen is identified as Series E with the specific date of July 15, 1942, falling within the standard 1941-1945 production window for Pick P-201b. The visual analysis confirms the 'Sub-Gerente' (Sub-Manager) overprint at right as documented in realbanknotes.com reference material. The serial number 0899600 in red ink is consistent with the documented printing standards. No unusual varieties or errors are apparent; this represents a standard production variant of the 1941-1945 issue.