2 colones 1947

Common. This is a regular-issue banknote from a substantial print run during 1946-1949. The catalog references and eBay market data confirm widespread availability: recent auction prices range from $20-75 depending on condition grade, with VF specimens consistently selling below $35. The 2016 catalogue value of $35 UNC places it firmly in the affordable, readily available category. Banco Nacional de Costa Rica maintained large circulation volumes during this period, ensuring ample surviving specimens across all condition grades.

This 1947 issue represents a significant period in Costa Rican monetary policy under Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, the nation's primary issuing authority during the mid-20th century. The depicted Joaquín Bernardo Calvo was an important Costa Rican political and intellectual figure, honoring his contributions to the nation's development. The reverse's celebration of San José's principal plaza fountain reflects the period's civic pride and modernization efforts in Costa Rica's capital city.

The obverse presents a formally composed portrait of Joaquín Bernardo Calvo—a dignified Costa Rican statesman—positioned within an elegant circular medallion at the note's center. His likeness is rendered in fine intaglio detail showing a mature gentleman with light-colored hair, formal bow tie, and period-appropriate formal attire. The note's dominant pink and magenta coloration provides striking visual contrast to the intricate cream and beige ornamental borders featuring floral scrollwork and geometric frames. Denomination numerals '2' appear in ornamental cartouches at the top left and right corners. The reverse shifts to a classical black-and-white engraving aesthetic, depicting the iconic 'Pila de la Plaza Principal de San José'—a multi-tiered fountain monument surrounded by landscaping trees in Costa Rica's most important public square. Ornamental '2' numerals and Roman numeral 'II' appear in all four corners in decorative frames. Both sides display the issuer's name, department designation, and American Bank Note Company's attribution.

FRONT SIDE: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica), 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department), 'Serie F' (Series F), 'San José, Costa Rica' (San José, Costa Rica), '23 de Agosto de 1947' (August 23, 1947), 'Acuerdo del Consejo Directivo Nº 9' (Agreement of the Board of Directors No. 9), 'Sub-Gerente del Banco' (Sub-Manager of the Bank), 'El Presidente de la Junta Directiva General' (The President of the General Board of Directors), 'Joaquín Bernardo Calvo' (printed name), 'Dos Colones' (Two Colones), 'American Bank Note Company', Serial number '881184'. BACK 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 José), 'Dos Colones' (Two Colones), 'American Bank Note Company', Roman numeral 'II' (2).

Intaglio engraving on banknote paper. Produced by the American Bank Note Company, New York, one of the world's premier security printers of the era. The note exhibits the characteristic fine line work, complex decorative patterns, and multi-color printing typical of premium banknote production from this period. The obverse employs multiple color runs (red, pink, magenta, cream on multicolor underprint) while the reverse uses classical black engraving on a white/cream base. Security features rely on the intricate detail and fine line patterns inherent to intaglio printing, which are extremely difficult to counterfeit.

This specimen is identified as Pick catalog P-203b, representing a specific variety from the 1946-1949 issuance period. The note displays Series F, with the specific issuance date of August 23, 1947 (23 de Agosto de 1947) noted on the obverse, which aligns with the collector notation of 13.08.47. The serial number 881184 positions this within the standard production run. The visual analysis confirms this is the standard design without subsequent overprints or revalidation markings (the later P-235 represented a revalidation by Banco Central de Costa Rica). No multiple-date varieties or significant printing variations are apparent in the observed specimen.