5 colones 1943

Common. This note remains readily available in the collector market, with eBay transaction data showing steady sales volume across multiple condition grades (VF specimens sold for $150-156 in 2016-2020, PMG graded VF-30 in 2023 for $132.50). Catalog values from 2016 show UNC examples at $40, indicating moderate collector interest but high availability. The relatively long issue period (1943-1949) and substantial print run typical of regular issue denominations support a common classification.

This note was issued during 1943-1949 under the directorship of Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, during a period of relative stability in Costa Rica following World War II. The depicted Garita Bridge represents Costa Rica's infrastructure development of the period, while the formal portrait of Braulio Carrillo—a 19th-century Costa Rican statesman and military leader—connects the modern issuing authority to the nation's republican heritage and founding principles.

The obverse features an ornate border in burgundy and brown tones with intricate geometric and floral engraving, framing a large shield-shaped cartouche containing a green numeral '5'. The right side displays a formal portrait of Braulio Carrillo, a 19th-century Costa Rican statesman, rendered in profile and wearing period formal attire with a bow tie. The reverse showcases a picturesque landscape vignette of the Puente de la Garita (Garita Bridge), a significant rural structure spanning a waterway with surrounding vegetation and buildings, rendered in teal and green tones. Ornamental medallions containing the numeral '5' flank the central vignette on both left and right sides, with elaborate geometric frames and corner ornaments completing the design. The note includes official seals, ministerial emblems, and multiple security elements throughout.

FRONT: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica), 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department), 'Serie G' (Series G), '3 de Marzo de 1943' (March 3, 1943), 'San Jose, Costa Rica' (San Jose, Costa Rica), 'Cinco Colones' (Five Colones), 'Acuerdo del Consejo Directivo No 6' (Board of Directors Agreement No. 6), serial numbers 0400990/040090. BACK: 'Banco Nacional de Costa Rica' (National Bank of Costa Rica), 'Departamento Emisor' (Issuing Department), 'Puente de la Garita' (Garita Bridge), 'Cinco Colones' (Five Colones), 'American Bank Note Company' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving throughout, printed by American Bank Note Company (ABNC) of New York. The fine-line engraving characteristic of ABNC's work is evident in the intricate border patterns, the detailed portrait, the landscape vignette of the bridge, and the ornamental frames. Multiple color printing was employed to achieve the burgundy/brown obverse and teal/green reverse, with careful color blending in decorative elements creating depth and security.

This note is identified as Pick 209a, the first variety of the 5 colones 1943 issue. The visual analysis confirms Series G designation, dated 3 de Marzo de 1943 (March 3, 1943). The note exhibits the characteristic ABNC printing and lacks signature title changes noted in reference materials, confirming it as the standard 1943 issue type rather than a later signature or overprint variety. Serial number format (0400990) is consistent with early issue examples.