5 colones 1942

Common. This note's rarity assessment is based on multiple factors: (1) eBay historical sales data shows moderate prices in the $56-$177.50 range for circulated examples, with F-grade specimens regularly appearing on the market; (2) catalog values from 2016 show VG at $5 and VF at $35, indicating steady availability across multiple condition grades; (3) the 1939-1942 series represents a standard regular issue from the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica with presumably substantial print runs; (4) while AU specimens command higher prices (~$150 for UNC according to catalog), the note type itself is not scarce. This Pick 204 represents an accessible example of early-20th-century Central American currency for collectors.

This banknote commemorates Juan Mora Fernández, who served as the first Chief of State of Costa Rica and was instrumental in establishing the nation's independence and institutional foundations in the early 19th century. The reverse vignette of the Cartago Parish ruins reflects Costa Rica's colonial heritage and the significant 1910 earthquake that destroyed much of Cartago, the original capital. The October 28, 1942 issuance date reflects a period of monetary standardization and centralization of banking under the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, established in 1914.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Juan Mora Fernández, Costa Rica's first Chief of State, positioned in a three-quarter facing profile within an ornate circular medallion frame. The portrait depicts Fernández in 19th-century formal attire with distinctive period hairstyle. The composition is surrounded by elaborate decorative scrollwork in yellow and green tones, with geometric borders incorporating fine line engraving patterns and cross-hatching throughout. Large Roman numerals 'V' appear in decorative shield cartouches at the top corners, emphasizing the denomination. The reverse showcases the Ruinas de la Parroquia de Cartago (Ruins of the Parish of Cartago), depicting classical columns and architectural remains of the colonial church amid surrounding landscape and vegetation. This ruin vignette is framed by ornate borders with corner medallions containing additional Roman numeral V denominations. The overall design scheme employs green as the primary color with tan, brown, and red accent tones, characteristic of the aesthetic favored during the 1940s-era currency design.

FRONT: Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (National Bank of Costa Rica) | Departamento Emisor (Issuing Department) | San Jose, Costa Rica | Acuerdo del Consejo Directivo Nº 5 (Agreement of the Directive Council No. 5) | 28 de Octubre de 1942 (October 28, 1942) | Cinco Colones (Five Colones) | Waterlow & Sons Limited, Londres (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London) | Serial number: F 0954650. BACK: Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (National Bank of Costa Rica) | Departamento Emisor (Issuing Department) | Cinco Colones (Five Colones) | Ruinas de la Parroquia de Cartago (Ruins of the Parish of Cartago) | Waterlow & Sons Limited, Londres (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London).

This note was produced using intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel plate printing), as evidenced by the fine line work, detailed cross-hatching patterns, and intricate security borders visible throughout the obverse and reverse. The printer's mark 'Waterlow & Sons Limited, Londres' indicates production by the British security printer Waterlow & Sons, one of the premier currency printers of the era. The engraved security features include decorative geometric patterns, fine line borders, and detailed background cross-hatching designed to deter counterfeiting. The multi-color printing was achieved through sequential intaglio passes, with primary colors of green, yellow, brown, and red applied to a tan/beige base.

The specific variety for this note is identified as P-204 with the authorized date of October 28, 1942 (28 de Octubre de 1942), part of the regular 1939-1942 series. The observed specimen carries serial number F 0954650, with the letter prefix 'F' indicating a standard printing variant. The note exhibits signatures (visible but not clearly legible in images) which may vary among specimens within this series. No overprints, date variations, or significant printing variations are apparent in this example. PMG cataloging confirms a single major variant for Pick P-204, suggesting consistency across the series.