20 colones 1963

Common. The Pick catalog assigns this note as P-222c within a series spanning 1952-1964, indicating a multi-year issue with substantial production. Catalog values from realbanknotes.com show UNC examples valued at $175 (2019 catalog data), with VF specimens selling at approximately $152.50 on secondary markets (as of recorded eBay transaction). While not trivial in value, these price points and the existence of market transactions indicate steady availability rather than scarcity. The note was a regular circulation issue during a stable period of Costa Rican monetary policy, supporting a 'common' designation despite its aesthetic appeal.

Issued during the stable period of the Banco Central de Costa Rica's early operations (1963 date shown), this note commemorates national figures and institutions central to Costa Rican identity. The reverse depicts the Universidad de Costa Rica (University of Costa Rica), reflecting the nation's emphasis on education and modernization during the 1960s. The classical architectural style of the university building and the dignified portraiture of Clodomiro Picado T., a prominent Costa Rican statesman, underscore the note's role in projecting institutional authority and national pride during a period of economic development.

The obverse features a dignified three-quarter profile portrait of Clodomiro Picado T., a significant Costa Rican political figure, centered within an oval medallion and surrounded by elaborate rococo-inspired scrollwork and filigree patterns rendered in rose, cream, and red tones. Denomination numerals (20 and XX) appear in decorative cartouches flanking the portrait. The reverse showcases a neoclassical institutional building—the Universidad de Costa Rica—rendered with fine architectural detail, including symmetrical wings, a columned central portico, and manicured grounds, all framed by ornate decorative borders. Both sides maintain consistent color harmony and employ classical security design elements typical of 1960s British banknote production.

FRONT: 'Banco Central de Costa Rica' (Central Bank of Costa Rica) / '20' and 'XX' (denomination in Arabic and Roman numerals) / 'VEINTE COLONES' (Twenty Colones) / 'GODOMOIRO PICADO' (portrait subject name—note the orthographic variation from the standard 'Clodomiro') / 'SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA' (issuing location) / '3 de julio de 1963' (July 3, 1963—issue date) / 'SERIE A' (Series A) / 'ACUERDO DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA Nº' (Directive Board Agreement No.) / 'EL PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA' (The President of the Directive Board) / 'EL GERENTE DEL BANCO' (The Bank Manager). BACK: 'Banco Central de Costa Rica' (Central Bank of Costa Rica) / '20' and 'XX' (denomination) / 'VEINTE COLONES' (Twenty Colones) / 'UNIVERSIDAD DE COSTA RICA' (University of Costa Rica) / 'UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL' (National University).

This note was produced by Waterlow & Sons of London using intaglio (engraved steel plate) printing, the premier security printing technique of the era. The visual analysis confirms characteristics typical of intaglio work: intricate guilloche patterns, fine-line background work, detailed filigree scrolling, precise architectural line-work on the university building, and sharp definition of portraiture and denomination elements. The multi-color effect (rose, red, cream, tan) was achieved through sequential passes of separate engraved plates—standard practice for Waterlow & Sons' premium banknote production.

The specific variety is P-222c (printer: W&S—Waterlow & Sons), one of two documented variants in the PMG population report for this Pick number base (P-222a also exists with the same printer designation). The observed specimen bears Series A designation and serial number 4172420 with the official issue date of 3 de julio de 1963 (July 3, 1963). The presence of handwritten annotations on both sides suggests post-production marking or official handling notes. No overprints or secondary denominations are evident from the visual analysis. Signature varieties (EL PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA and EL GERENTE DEL BANCO) are standard for the series but specific signature identification would require higher-resolution inspection of the signature blocks.