5 colones 1953

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $15-$60 range depending on condition, with VF examples selling for approximately $49-$15 and UNC examples catalogued at $60. Despite its age, this note's regular circulation, standardized printing by ABNC during a period of significant Costa Rican banknote production, and the lack of any indication of limited print runs or early recall all indicate it is a commonly encountered note in the collector market.

This note was issued during Costa Rica's post-war economic period when the Banco Central de Costa Rica sought to commemorate the nation's cultural and economic foundations. The reverse design celebrating 'Labor Costarricense' (Costa Rican Labor) through the prominent coffee worker imagery reflects the central importance of coffee production to Costa Rica's economy and national identity during the 1950s. The inclusion of institutional seals dated 8 July 1987 suggests this note remained in circulation or official records well into the 1980s despite its 1950s issuance.

The obverse features a formal portrait positioned on the right side depicting a bearded gentleman in 19th-century formal attire with white shirt front and dark jacket, identified as Braulio Carrillo, a significant Costa Rican historical figure. The note employs extensive ornamental framing with elaborate floral and geometric borders, a large numeral 5 centered in a decorative oval cartouche, and institutional markings. The reverse showcases a detailed engraved scene of agricultural labor, prominently featuring a worker in light clothing and hat using farming implements with coffee beans or similar agricultural products spread on the ground, with field structures and distant landscape visible in the background. Symmetrical numeral 5 denominations appear on both sides within ornate frames, and shield-like emblems anchor the corner scrollwork designs.

FRONT: Banco Central de Costa Rica (Central Bank of Costa Rica) | CINCO COLONES (Five Colones) | SAN JOSE COSTA RICA (San Jose Costa Rica) | SERIE A (Series A) | ACUERDO DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA No. (Agreement of the Board of Directors No.) | PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA (President of the Board of Directors) | GERENTE DEL BANCO (Bank Manager) | PAULO GARRIDO (proper name) | AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY | 6 JULY 1957 (printer's date). BACK: Banco Central de Costa Rica (Central Bank of Costa Rica) | CINCO COLONES (Five Colones) | LABOR COSTARRICENSE (Costa Rican Labor) | AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY.

Intaglio engraving, as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate background patterns with repetitive security motifs, ornate borders with detailed scrollwork, and the depth and clarity of portrait and scenic rendering. The note was produced by American Bank Note Company, New York, whose hallmark security printing techniques are visible throughout, including the complex border designs and detailed scenic engraving that served both aesthetic and anti-counterfeiting purposes.

This note is catalogued as Pick-220b, representing a variant within the 5 Colones 1953 series. The visual analysis identifies this as the ABNC-printed variety with the signature marking 'POR' notation referenced in the catalog data. The observed 1957 ABNC printer's date aligns with the broader 1951-1958 issuance range documented in external references, suggesting this particular printing was executed in 1957 despite the nominal 1953 catalog date. The Series A designation and the specific signature configuration visible on this example may distinguish it from other 1950s Costa Rican 5 Colones variants.