2 colones 1940

Common. While this specific 1940 emission is earlier than the widely-circulated 1946-1949 printings documented in standard catalogs, the available eBay market data shows typical circulation notes in similar grades selling in the $15-75 range, with UNC examples at approximately $65. These prices are consistent with common 20th-century banknotes with decent collector interest. No evidence of restricted print runs, recalls, or short-lived issuance exists in the available numismatic records. The 1940 date may add modest collector appeal over later printings, but the note remains fundamentally common within Costa Rican currency collecting.

This note was issued during a period of relative stability in Costa Rica's monetary system under Banco Nacional de Costa Rica. The featured portrait of Joaquín Bernardo Calvo honors a significant historical figure in Costa Rican politics and governance. The reverse design celebrating the Plaza Principal's fountain reflects Costa Rica's civic pride during the mid-twentieth century, emphasizing the nation's capital and public monuments.

The obverse presents a formal portrait of Joaquín Bernardo Calvo, a prominent Costa Rican statesman, rendered in classical style within an oval frame and positioned at the center of the composition. The design employs elaborate baroque-inspired ornamental borders with scrollwork, floral motifs, and shield-like emblems in the bottom corners. Roman numeral II appears in decorative frames at the top corners, indicating the denomination. The color scheme of pink, magenta, red, and cream creates a distinctive and elegant appearance typical of early 20th-century Latin American currency design. The reverse showcases the Pila (fountain) of Plaza Principal in San José, a neoclassical architectural monument depicted as an ornate fountain structure with steps and basin, surrounded by tree-lined plaza elements. This architectural engraving in black, gray, and white provides visual balance to the portrait-dominated obverse. Both sides feature intricate intaglio engraving executed by American Bank Note Company of New York, demonstrating the high security and artistic standards of the period.

FRONT: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica), 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department), 'DOS COLONES' (Two Colones), 'Serie F' (Series F), 'San Jose, Costa Rica' (San Jose, Costa Rica), '18 de Setiembre de 1940' (September 18, 1940), 'Joaquín Bernardo Calvo' (proper name of portrayed figure), 'Acuerdo del Consejo Directivo' (By agreement of the Board of Directors), 'El Vice-Presidente de la Junta Directiva' (The Vice President of the Board of Directors), 'Sub-Gerente del Banco' (Sub-Manager of the Bank), Serial number '034089'. BACK: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica), 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department), 'DOS COLONES' (Two Colones), 'Pila de la Plaza Principal de San José' (Fountain of the Main Plaza of San José), 'American Bank Note Company' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving executed by American Bank Note Company, New York. The note exhibits characteristic features of intaglio printing including fine line work, detailed decorative patterns, complex geometric backgrounds, and the dimensional quality of raised ink visible in the security elements. The intricate baroque-style borders, portrait rendering, and architectural details all reflect the sophisticated engraving techniques for which American Bank Note Company was renowned.

This note is dated 18 de Setiembre de 1940 (September 18, 1940) and belongs to Series F with serial number 034089. The visual analysis indicates this is Pick P-203a. The catalog reference notes that later revalidated versions exist under Pick P-235 (issued by Banco Central de Costa Rica), indicating this represents an earlier Banco Nacional de Costa Rica emission. The specific combination of date (1940), series (F), and issuing authority (Banco Nacional de Costa Rica rather than Banco Central) distinguishes this from later varieties.