20 colones 1966

Common. This note from the standard 1964-1970 issue period is frequently encountered in the secondary market. eBay price history demonstrates consistent availability, with UNC examples selling for $60-119 in recent years (catalog value $60 UNC as of 2019). The relatively high print volume from this extended issue period, combined with the availability of multiple examples in circulation and collector hands, confirms this as a common date-variety for collectors.

This note was issued during a period of institutional development in Costa Rica, commemorating the establishment of the Rodrigo Facio University City—a symbol of the nation's commitment to higher education and modernization in the 1960s. Clodomiro Picado, depicted on the obverse, represents the country's political and institutional leadership during this era of development. The note's design reflects the aesthetics and printing capabilities of the mid-1960s, produced by the renowned security printer Thomas De La Rue of London.

The obverse presents a formal portrait of Clodomiro Picado, a prominent Costa Rican statesman, rendered in classical engraving style within a decorative circular frame with ornate sunburst medallion patterns flanking the portrait. The denomination '20' appears in all four corners within intricate geometric designs. The reverse features the Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio, an architecturally significant modernist university complex with symmetric institutional buildings, manicured grounds, and cypress trees, symbolizing Costa Rica's investment in education and institutional progress. The entire design employs fine-line engraving with complex decorative borders and sunburst underprinting in brown and multicolored tones typical of Thomas De La Rue's output from this period.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE COSTA RICA' (Central Bank of Costa Rica) | '20' and 'VEINTE COLONES' (Twenty Colones, denomination) | 'CLODOMIRO PICADO' (portrait subject) | 'PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA' (President of the Board of Directors) | '27 de abril de 1966' (April 27, 1966) | 'SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA' (location) | 'ACUERDO DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA Nº 5' (Board of Directors Resolution No. 5) | 'EL GERENTE DEL BANCO' (The Bank Manager) | 'SERIE B' (Series B) | Serial number 'B1183222'. BACK SIDE: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE COSTA RICA' (Central Bank of Costa Rica) | '20' and 'VEINTE COLONES' (Twenty Colones) | 'CIUDAD UNIVERSITARIA RODRIGO FACIO' (Rodrigo Facio University City) | 'FACULTAD DE EDUCACIÓN' (Faculty of Education) | 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).

The note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited, London—evident from the fine line engraving throughout, including the detailed portrait, architectural rendering, and intricate decorative border patterns. The multicolored underprint visible in sunburst patterns and corner medallions indicates sophisticated color separation and printing registration typical of De La Rue's security printing standards. The sharp clarity of the design elements and security features observed in the UNC specimen confirms high-quality production standards.

This is a Series B example, as indicated by 'SERIE B' marked twice on the obverse and serial number prefix 'B1183222'. The specific date observed is 27 de abril de 1966 (April 27, 1966), which aligns with the Pick 231a designation. Thomas De La Rue printing credit is confirmed on the reverse. No overprints or other distinguishing varieties are evident on this specimen; it represents the standard regular issue of this denomination from the 1964-1970 series.