2 colones 1940

Common. The 2 colones denomination from this 1940 issue represents standard circulation currency that was produced in substantial quantities by Banco Nacional de Costa Rica. No evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or short-lived issuance exists for this Pick number. While this particular note is in excellent AU condition (which is less common than well-circulated examples), the denomination and date are not scarce in the market. Typical market pricing for similar examples in AU condition ranges well below $50, consistent with common modern collectible banknotes.

This note was issued on November 13, 1940, during a period when Costa Rica's Banco Nacional was consolidating its note-issuing authority and modernizing its currency designs. The selection of the Pila de la Plaza Principal de San José for the reverse reflects national pride in Costa Rica's capital and public infrastructure during the mid-20th century. The elaborate design and high-quality engraving by the American Bank Note Company underscore the importance Costa Rica placed on establishing a professional, internationally-standard currency in the years leading up to and during World War II.

The obverse features an unidentified male portrait in formal 19th/early 20th-century dress with bow tie, centered within an ornate oval medallion rendered in dark blue/purple tones against the dominant pink/magenta field. The denomination '2' appears prominently in all four corners in large ornate numerals. The entire note is framed by elaborate baroque-style decorative borders featuring rosettes, scrollwork, and ornamental cartouches typical of American Bank Note Company security designs from this era. The reverse depicts the Pila (fountain monument) of San José's principal plaza, a significant civic landmark, rendered in fine black engraving against a cream background with identical baroque ornamentation surrounding the scene. The architectural fountain is depicted in a landscaped plaza setting with surrounding vegetation, serving as both a nationalist symbol and security design element.

FRONT SIDE: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica) / 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department) / 'Serie F' (Series F) / Serial number '441455' / 'San Jose, Costa Rica' / '13 de Noviembre de 1940' (November 13, 1940) / 'Acuerdo del Consejo Directivo Nº 5' (Agreement of the Board of Directors No. 5) / 'El Vice-Presidente de la Junta Directiva' (The Vice-President of the Board of Directors) / 'Sub-Gerente del Banco' (Sub-Manager of the Bank) / 'Dos Colones' (Two Colones) / 'American Bank Note Company'. REVERSE SIDE: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica) / 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department) / 'Pila de la Plaza Principal de San José' (Fountain of the Principal Plaza of San Jose) / 'Dos Colones' (Two Colones) / 'American Bank Note Company'.

Steel engraving (intaglio process) executed by the American Bank Note Company, a leading international security printer. The front features multi-color printing with pink/magenta as the dominant color combined with dark blue/purple for text and portraiture. The reverse is printed in black on a cream/off-white base. The fine line engraving, complex decorative patterns, and multiple layers of ornamental design visible throughout the note are characteristic of high-security banknote production standards of the 1940s period. The sharp, crisp detail observed in both the portrait and architectural engraving indicates skilled craftsmen and well-maintained printing plates.

This example is identified as Pick 203a, indicating it is a recognized variety within the 1940 2 colones issue. The note bears Series F designation and serial number 441455, reflecting sequential production. The specific date of November 13, 1940, matches the Board of Directors authorization noted as Acuerdo Nº 5, confirming consistency with the authorized emission. No overprints or secondary markings are observed. Collectors should note that different series letters (A through F or beyond) may exist for this denomination and date, representing different production runs.