5 colones 1965
Market Prices
19 salesAbout This Note
This AU-graded 5 Colones from Costa Rica's 1963-1967 series represents a well-preserved example of mid-20th century Central American currency design. The note displays the characteristic green and red printing on the obverse featuring Braulio Carrillo's portrait, with the reverse showcasing an agricultural scene titled 'Pago de Café' (Coffee Payment), reflecting Costa Rica's economic importance in coffee production. Minor foxing and age-related discoloration are consistent with AU condition, while the crisp engraving and clear serial number (C2910691) indicate this specimen has been carefully preserved.
Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales ranging from $9.99 to $48.00 across multiple condition grades (F through UNC) spanning 2013-2022, with UNC examples typically selling in the $30-42 range and VF/EF examples around $15-25. The 2019 catalogue values of $10 (VF) and $30 (UNC) further confirm this is a widely available note with no scarcity premium. The 1963-1967 issue period was long and this was clearly printed in substantial quantities.
Issued on June 9, 1965, this banknote reflects Costa Rica's post-independence national identity through the portrayal of Braulio Carrillo, a significant 19th-century political figure. The reverse's depiction of a coffee worker acknowledges the nation's economic foundation during this period, when coffee remained Costa Rica's primary export and source of national wealth. This 1963-1967 series represents the Banco Central de Costa Rica's modernization efforts under Thomas de la Rue's prestigious printing standards.
The obverse features a formal central portrait of Braulio Carrillo (1788-1845), a Honduran-born Costa Rican statesman and former president, rendered in fine engraved detail wearing formal 19th-century attire with a bow tie. The portrait is flanked by decorative circular medallions labeled 'BANCO COLONES' containing the numeral 5. Ornate scrollwork and floral border patterns frame the design in green and red inks. The reverse presents an allegorical or documentary scene of a coffee worker in wide-brimmed hat laboring in agricultural landscape with structures visible in the background, complemented by 'PAGO DE CAFE' inscription. Corner ornaments in all four corners display the denomination numeral 5 within decorative frames. The overall composition emphasizes both institutional authority (through formal portraiture) and economic identity (through agricultural imagery).
FRONT: 'Banco Central de Costa Rica' (Central Bank of Costa Rica), 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones), 'BRAULIO CARRILLO' (the historical figure portrayed), 'SERIE C' (Series C), 'C2910691' (serial number), 'SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA' (issuing location), '9 de junio de 1965' (June 9, 1965), 'ACUERDO DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA No 26' (Board of Directors Agreement No. 26), 'EL PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA' (The President of the Board of Directors), 'EL GERENTE DEL BANCO' (The Bank Manager). BACK: 'Banco Central de Costa Rica' (Central Bank of Costa Rica), 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones), 'PAGO DE CAFE' (Coffee Payment), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED' (printer attribution).
Intaglio engraving by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited, London, as identified on the reverse. The fine line work visible in both the portrait details and the agricultural scene, combined with the complex border patterns and security elements, is characteristic of high-security currency production. The red serial numbering appears to be separately applied printing, and watermark areas are visible in the background fabric of both sides.
This specimen belongs to Series C (SERIE C) as indicated on the obverse. The Pick catalog recognizes P-228 as the standard variety for this denomination and period. The specific date of June 9, 1965 falls within the 1963-1967 authorized circulation period. Serial number C2910691 indicates Series C production. No overprints or significant varieties are evident; this represents the standard production note for this Pick number.
