2 colones 1947

Common. While the specific Pick-203b variety is not widely reported in recent numismatic databases, the eBay price data provided indicates typical selling prices in the $20-40 range for VF specimens, with even PMG-graded examples (PMG 58) selling for $75 in 2025. The catalog value listing of $35 for UNC specimens further suggests this is a commonly encountered note with steady but not exceptional collector demand. The print run from the 1946-1949 authorization period appears to have been substantial, and no historical records indicate scarcity or recall issues that would elevate rarity status.

This 1947 emission represents Costa Rica's monetary system during the post-World War II period, when the Banco Nacional maintained exclusive currency issuance authority before the establishment of the Banco Central de Costa Rica. The obverse portrait depicts Joaquín Bernardo Calvo, a significant 19th-century Costa Rican statesman and intellectual, reflecting the nation's practice of honoring historical figures on currency. The reverse's depiction of the Fountain of Plaza Principal in San José celebrates the country's capital and civic pride during this period of relative economic stability.

The obverse features Joaquín Bernardo Calvo, a prominent Costa Rican intellectual and statesman from the 19th century, portrayed in formal attire (dark suit jacket and bow tie) within an ornate oval frame surrounded by elaborate baroque-style decorative scrollwork and floral motifs. The design employs red and pink coloring on a cream/beige multicolor underprint, creating a striking visual hierarchy. The reverse presents a detailed engraved landscape depicting the Fountain (Pila) of Plaza Principal in San José, the capital's main plaza, rendered in black and white with architectural elements and surrounding trees. Both sides feature intricate corner ornaments and geometric patterns characteristic of American Bank Note Company's fine engraving standards, with denomination and issuer information prominently displayed.

FRONT: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE COSTA RICA' (National Bank of Costa Rica); 'DEPARTAMENTO EMISOR' (Issuing Department); 'DOS COLONES' (Two Colones); 'SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA' (San Jose, Costa Rica); '23 de Abril de 1947' (April 23, 1947); 'SERIE F' (Series F); Serial number '706073'; 'ACUERDO DEL CONSEJO DIRECTIVO' (Board Directive Agreement); 'EL PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA' (The President of the Board of Directors); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (American Bank Note Company); 'Nº 7' (Number 7). 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 JOSE' (Fountain of the Principal Plaza of San Jose); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (American Bank Note Company).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), the standard security printing method for banknotes during this era. The American Bank Note Company, New York, executed this work using multiple engraved plates and multicolor printing process. The crisp fine-line work visible in the guilloche patterns, portrait rendering, and architectural details, combined with the precise color registration observed in the visual analysis, confirms professional intaglio production with careful plate preparation and quality control characteristic of ABNC's premium output.

This specimen is identified as Series F with serial number 706073, dated 23 de Abril de 1947 (April 23, 1947). The Pick-203b designation indicates this is the second cataloged variety of the 2 Colones 1947 type. The note was issued under a period when the Banco Nacional had authorization through 1949, though this example bears an earlier April 1947 date. The ABNC printer identification ('AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' and 'Nº 7') is standard for this series. No overprints or special security features beyond engraved design characteristics are noted.