5 colones 1957

Common. This note was issued during a multi-year period (1952-1958) by the Banco Central de Costa Rica as part of a regular circulation issue. eBay market data shows VF specimens consistently selling in the $15-49 range, with professionally graded PMG 66 examples bringing $266-315, indicating steady but modest collector demand. The AU grade specimen described here falls within normal market parameters for this type, with estimated catalog value around $40-60 for uncirculated examples. No print run restrictions, recalls, or short-lived issuing circumstances make this note scarce; it represents a standard regular-issue banknote from a stable central bank.

The 5 Colones note was issued by the Banco Central de Costa Rica during a period of economic development and modernization in the 1950s. The selection of Braulio Carrillo, a 19th-century Costa Rican statesman, for the obverse reflects the nation's connection to its founding figures, while the reverse's emphasis on a coffee worker underscores the centrality of coffee agriculture to Costa Rica's economy and national identity during this era. This note type remained in circulation from 1952 through 1958, representing the post-war stability and institutional strength of the Central Bank.

The obverse presents Braulio Carrillo, a 19th-century Costa Rican political leader and national founding figure, depicted in formal period dress with a bow tie, positioned at the right side of the note. The portrait is framed by an ornate border with elaborate floral and scrollwork designs characteristic of classical banknote engraving. The denomination '5' is displayed prominently in a decorative cartouche in the center, flanked by shield-like emblems with ornamental designs. The reverse depicts a coffee worker—a laborer in work clothes and hat—performing agricultural tasks, likely harvesting or processing coffee, with piled stones or harvested materials visible in a semi-industrial landscape setting. The background includes agricultural infrastructure typical of Costa Rican coffee plantations of the era. Both sides employ the characteristic fine line work and delicate engraving patterns that define the security and aesthetic qualities of this issue.

FRONT: 'Banco Central de Costa Rica' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones); 'BRAULIO CARRILLO' (proper name of the depicted historical figure); 'SAN JOSE COSTA RICA' (location of the issuing authority); 'SERIE A' (Series A); 'ACUERDO DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA N°' (Board of Directors Agreement No.); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification); Serial number 4060821. BACK: 'Banco Central de Costa Rica' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification).

The note was produced by the American Bank Note Company of New York using intaglio (engraving) printing techniques, as evidenced by the crisp, precise line work, the depth of impression in the portraits and decorative elements, and the fine detail visible throughout both sides. The multicolored underprint combined with green primary inking represents the company's standard security printing practices for Central American currency of this period. The quality of impression and clarity of all engraved elements confirms professional security printing standards.

Pick catalog designation P-220b indicates this is a known variant within the 5 Colones 1957 issue family. The visual analysis confirms this as the ABNC-printed variety with the 'POR' marking omitted (or present) near the signature title at right, which is consistent with the documented P-220b variety. The serial number prefix 'SERIE A' and the absence of visible overprints indicate this is a standard production example of this variety. No anomalies or unusual variety characteristics are evident from the specimen examined.