5 colones 1950

Common. Market data shows eBay prices ranging from $1.69 to $350 USD for this note, with the majority of listed examples priced between $2–$100, and 2016 catalogue values listing UNC examples at $175. The wide availability at modest prices and numerous eBay listings indicate healthy circulation in the collector market. This Pick 215a is a standard regular issue from the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica with no indication of limited print runs or rarity factors. The AU condition grade observed here is not exceptionally difficult to find for this issue.

This note was issued during a pivotal period in Costa Rican monetary history when the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (established 1914) was transitioning monetary authority responsibilities. The inclusion of Braulio Carrillo, a 19th-century Costa Rican statesman and jurist, reflects the nation's reverence for foundational political figures. The depiction of the Puente de la Garita on the reverse commemorates an important local landmark, grounding the currency in Costa Rican geography and national identity during the post-World War II reconstruction era.

The obverse features an elaborate ornamental design dominated by a large numeral '5' in a decorative cartouche at center, flanked by intricate floral and geometric borders in brown and reddish tones. A formal portrait of Braulio Carrillo (1789–1845), Costa Rican statesman and Supreme Director, appears in profile on the right side, rendered in period formal dress with bow tie. The reverse displays an engraved landscape vignette of the Puente de la Garita, a significant Costa Rican bridge, depicted with a large tree and associated rural structures in a pastoral setting. The design employs corner shields with numeral '5' denominators in all four corners on both sides. The overall aesthetic reflects the refined engraving standards of American Bank Note Company's work from this period, with sophisticated use of filigree, scrollwork, and multi-color registration.

FRONT: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE COSTA RICA' (National Bank of Costa Rica), 'DEPARTAMENTO EMISOR' (Issuing Department), 'SERIE PROVISIONAL' (Provisional Series), 'SERIE G' (Series G), Serial number 1427349, 'SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA' (San José, Costa Rica), '20 de julio de 1950' (July 20, 1950), 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones), 'ACUERDO DEL CONSEJO DIRECTIVO Nº 2' (Agreement of the Board of Directors No. 2), 'JUNTA DIRECTIVA-GENERAL' (Executive General Board), 'GERENTE GENERAL DEL BANCO' (General Manager of the Bank), 'BRAULIO CARRILLO' (portrait identification), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution). BACK: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE COSTA RICA' (National Bank of Costa Rica), 'DEPARTAMENTO EMISOR' (Issuing Department), 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones), 'PUENTE DE LA GARITA' (La Garita Bridge), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving/steel engraving) executed by American Bank Note Company, New York, characterized by the intricate, multi-layered decorative patterns, fine line work, and precise color separation visible throughout both sides. The security features rely on complex engraved patterns and filigree work rather than modern security devices, consistent with mid-20th century currency production standards. Multiple color printing (brown/red on obverse, green/teal on reverse) was achieved through successive intaglio press runs.

This example is identified as Pick 215a, bearing 'SERIE G' designation and dated 20 de julio de 1950. The catalog reference notes this is an overprint of the 1950/1951 issue on the earlier COSTA RICA P-209 design with the new Bank name (Banco Nacional de Costa Rica) applied. Serial number 1427349 is documented. The 'SERIE PROVISIONAL' marking indicates this belongs to a provisional series designation, which may relate to the transitional period between issuing authorities. No signature varieties or significant sub-types are noted for this Pick number in standard references.