20 colones 1967

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades, with UNC examples selling for $60-$119, AUNC for $57-$78, and VF for $12-$31. The 2019 catalog values of $60 for UNC and $15 for VF, combined with the regular frequency of sales transactions spanning from 2010 to 2023, indicate this is a standard circulation note with adequate supply. While the observed specimen shows circulated wear inconsistent with the catalog's UNC grading, the denomination and print run were sufficient to ensure availability in the modern collector market.

This banknote was issued during the 1964-1970 series period of Costa Rica's Central Bank, reflecting the nation's modernization during the 1960s. The reverse design prominently features the Rodrigo Facio University City, specifically the Faculty of Education building, symbolizing Costa Rica's investment in education and institutional development during this era. Clodomiro Picado, depicted on the obverse, was a significant figure in Costa Rican history, and his portrait on the currency underscores the nation's recognition of his contributions.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Clodomiro Picado, positioned centrally within an ornate circular frame with intricate line work and baroque-style ornamentation. The background employs a light greenish-beige base with brown and tan ornamental designs and security patterns throughout. Matching rosette emblems with radiating sunburst patterns flank the portrait on left and right sides. The reverse showcases the Faculty of Education building at Rodrigo Facio University City—a modernist institutional structure with multiple horizontal wings, set within landscaped grounds featuring cypress trees and ornamental plantings, with rolling hills visible in the background. The architectural scene is framed by identical ornate rosette emblems and decorative scrollwork matching the front design. The overall color scheme maintains consistency across both sides with brown, tan, and cream/beige tones.

FRONT SIDE: '20' (Twenty); 'BANCO CENTRAL DE COSTA RICA' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'SERIE B' (Series B); 'VEINTE COLONES' (Twenty colones); '9 de octubre de 1957' (October 9, 1957); 'SAN JOSÉ, COSTARICA' (San José, Costa Rica); 'CLODOMIR PICADO' (Clodomir Picado); 'EL PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA' (The President of the Board of Directors); 'ACUERDO DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA Nº4' (Agreement of the Board of Directors No. 4); 'EL GERENTE DEL BANCO' (The Bank Manager); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED.' (Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited - printer); Serial number 'B1969710'. BACK SIDE: '20' (Twenty); 'BANCO CENTRAL DE COSTA RICA' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'VEINTE COLONES' (Twenty colones); 'FACULTAD DE EDUCACION' (Faculty of Education); 'CIUDAD UNIVERSITARIA RODRIGO FACIO' (Rodrigo Facio University City).

This banknote was produced using intaglio engraving (relief printing), executed by the renowned security printer Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, based in London. The visual analysis confirms the presence of intricate engraved line patterns, fine geometric crosshatch patterns, and complex ornamental borders with detailed portrait and architectural engraving characteristic of high-security intaglio work. The fine line work and intricate security patterns throughout the design are typical signatures of de la Rue's premium banknote production standards.

This note is identified as Pick 231a from the 1964-1970 issue series of the Banco Central de Costa Rica. The observed specimen exhibits Series B designation with serial number B1969710 in red. The date discrepancy between the visual analysis (which notes '9 de octubre de 1957') and the catalog data (1967/1964-1970) suggests this may represent an earlier authorization or printing date retained on the plate, a common practice in banknote production. The Series B designation and red serial number printing are consistent with the Pick 231a variety. Further research would be needed to determine if Series A or other letter designations exist for this pick number.