2 colones 1945

Common. The eBay market data provided shows this note type selling in the $77 range for PMG 45 grade (approximately VF-XF condition), and catalog values from 2016 list UNC examples at $40. These price points are consistent with commonly circulated issues from major Central American banks during the mid-20th century. The 1945 issue date falls within a period of substantial circulation, and no historical evidence suggests limited print runs or recalls. While this specific AU example is well-preserved relative to typical survivors, the denomination, issuer, and era are not considered scarce.

This note commemorates Juan Vázquez de Coronado, a pivotal 16th-century Spanish conquistador and colonial administrator who founded several settlements in Costa Rica and Central America. The reverse design specifically illustrates 'Market of Dulces in Cheese by Juan Vázquez de Coronado - 1563,' referencing a historical economic activity during the early colonial period. The 1945 issue date reflects Costa Rica's affirmation of national identity and historical figures during the mid-20th century, nearly four centuries after Coronado's colonial ventures.

The obverse features a finely engraved portrait of Juan Vázquez de Coronado positioned centrally within an oval frame, depicting him as a bearded historical figure wearing colonial-era dress with a distinctive white ruffled collar. The portrait is rendered in intricate detail typical of high-security banknote engraving. Denomination numerals '2' and Roman numeral 'II' appear in decorative shield emblems in all four corners, flanked by ornamental circular medallions featuring radiating geometric and floral patterns. The reverse presents a detailed colonial scene showing multiple figures in period dress engaged in what appears to be a market or diplomatic exchange, with horses, a tent or flag structure, and landscape elements creating a narrative composition. Both sides employ a sophisticated color palette of brown, sepia, tan, and beige tones with black fine-line work, and feature elaborate guilloche patterns and border designs characteristic of Waterlow & Sons' security printing standards.

FRONT SIDE: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica) / 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department) / Serial number: 1883507, Series E / 'San José, Costa Rica' / Date: '28 de Febrero de 1945' (February 28, 1945) / 'Acuerdo del Consejo Directivo No 3' (Board Directive Agreement No. 3) / 'El Vice-Presidente de la Junta Directiva' (The Vice-President of the Board of Directors) / 'Juan Vázquez de Coronado' / 'Sub-Gerente del Banco' (Sub-Manager of the Bank) / 'DOS COLONES' (Two Colones) / 'Waterlow & Sons Limited, Londres' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London). BACK SIDE: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica) / 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department) / 'DOS COLONES' (Two Colones) / 'Mercado de Dulces en Queso por Juan Vázquez de Coronado - 1563' (Market of Dulces in Cheese by Juan Vázquez de Coronado - 1563) / 'Waterlow & Sons Limited, Londres' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London).

Steel engraving with intaglio printing, executed by Waterlow & Sons Limited of London, a premier security banknote printer of the era. The note exhibits the hallmark characteristics of intaglio production: deeply engraved lines creating fine detail work throughout the portrait and historical scene, intricate guilloche patterns providing security through complexity, and precisely rendered denomination numerals and text. The multicolor printing was accomplished through the traditional multi-pass engraved plate technique, with separate color applications for the brown primary design elements and green accents visible on the obverse.

This example is identified as Pick P-201d, the 1945 date variant of the 2 Colones series. The visual analysis confirms the presence of overprinted signature titles characteristic of this variety ('El Vice-Presidente de la Junta Directiva' and 'Sub-Gerente del Banco'). The serial number prefix 'E' and the official date of issue '28 de Febrero de 1945' (February 28, 1945) are consistent with the P-201d catalog designation. No additional notable varieties are apparent from the observed details.